Sony threatens permanent bans for PlayStation 3 hackers

Sony has issued a warning to all consumers stating anyone who uses "unauthorized software" on the PS3, which the company acknowledged was released by hackers, could face permanent bans.

"Use of such software violates the terms of the "System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System" and the "Terms of Services and User Agreement" for the PlayStation Network/Sony Entertainment Network and its Community Code of Conduct provisions," Sony wrote in a statement.

"Violation of the System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 system invalidates the consumer's right to access that system. Consumers running unauthorized or pirated software may have their access to the PlayStation Network and access to Sony Entertainment Network services through PlayStation 3 system terminated permanently."

Sony has warned that all consumers must "immediately" cease using and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PS3 systems.

"In order to help provide a safe, fair, online environment, consumers who we believe violate "Terms of Services and User Agreement" for the PlayStation Network/Sony Entertainment Network or the applicable laws or regulations of their country or region risk having access to the PlayStation Network and access to Sony Entertainment Network services terminated permanently."