Sony confirms that it will not record voice chats on PS5; launches Black Lives Matter PS4 theme

Reports emerged speculating that Sony may record voice chats in the PS5 raising user privacy concerns. Let’s check out the clarification that the company issued to set the record straight around the new Sony PlayStation software feature.

Gaming console maker Sony continues its trend to share the latest information around its much-anticipated gaming console, the PS5. However, this time, the company has shared a clarification regarding an upcoming software feature on the unreleased console. For some context, reports emerged speculating that Sony may record voice chats in the PS5. This functionality was spotted in the latest PS4 software update with version 8.0.0. The feature is set to go live with the launch of PS5. Here, the system will notify users with a pop-up alert that it “may” record voice chats. This raised a storm in the PlayStation community along with concerns around user privacy. Let’s check out the clarification that the company issued to set the record straight around the new Sony PlayStation software feature here.

Sony issues clarification around its PS5 voice chat recording feature

As per a dedicated post on the Sony PlayStation blog, the company addressed the concerns stating, “We do not record party chats.” In fact, the statement noted that the pop-up alert is aimed at warning users that other “party chat” users may be recording the conversation. So, this feature is meant more as a warning for the user against other users. In addition, this feature also allows PlayStation users to record chats and submit them for moderation. It is worth noting that this feature will only be available in PS5. However, PS4 users will also be warned when they are playing with a PS5 user regarding the possibility of the recording.

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It is also worth noting that Microsoft also comes with a similar ability to listen to audio in the party chats. However, the company noted that it uses this feature to improve the voice recognition capabilities of its software. This statement came around the same time when Sony revealed that it will use individual game data to improve fan performance in future software updates.

Black Lives Matter theme on Sony PlayStation 4

Sony PS4 Black Lives Matter Static themeSony PS4 Black Lives Matter Static theme

Finally, the company also launched a new theme for PS4 users who want to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Interested users can head to PlayStation Store to get this new static theme under the name “Black Lives Matter Theme”. This free theme features a Yellow outline with a black raised fist in the lower portion of the PS4 UI.