The new update 8.00 on the PlayStation 4 has fans angry. Because voice chats can now be recorded. Even by other players. Sony says this is for moderation purposes.
What’s new in PS4? On October 14, Sony released the new firmware update 8.00 for the consoles. One of the changes indicated by the new update concerns party chats.
Players are greeted with the message that voice chats from other users can be recorded. It is explained that by participating in these party chats, you automatically agree to have your voice recorded.
However, the recorded voices are only used for security and moderation purposes, Sony explains.
Fans are venting their frustration on social media about this announcement.
This is what makes PS4 players so angry
Sony has always moderated messages on the PS4, this is nothing new for players. However, the wording that other users can now simply record you bothers players.
Additionally, private events and communities have been removed. This is also one of the reasons why the update is so criticized.
This is what players are saying: On Twitter, user @Gtamen writes: “The PS4 update 8.00 is a terrible setback. Private groups and communities are dead and you are practically no longer allowed to be alone or private with friends. Hot garbage. Give us our features back, PlayStation.”
In a later tweet he adds: “Oh, and did I mention that they are now recording party chats for moderation purposes? What a terrible update.”
Other players fear that in the event of a data breach, all their conversations could be leaked. They are demanding that Sony take back the update.
What else is going wrong? The party changes are not the only criticism users have about the new update. Some say their console has been running slower since the update.
Shortly after the update, a major bug was also noticed with friends. The friends list was not displayed on PS4.
What is being well received? Despite this criticism, the update is also praised. The expansion of two-factor authentication is well received. The quick mute of all microphones is also highlighted positively.
Sony does not automatically record your conversations
This is what Sony says: The Twitter account Ask PlayStation UK responded to the fans’ outrage. They write, “Hello. The notification lets you know that other users may record your spoken conversation. We do not record party chats.”
In general, however, the terms of service state that Sony may record your activities such as voice messages in certain cases.
Additionally, the blog post (via PlayStation Blog.com) for update 8.00 has now been updated to highlight this message and explain it.
“With this update, users will see a notification about party safety and that voice chats in parties may be recorded. The voice chat recording serves moderation and is a feature that will be available at the launch of the PS5. This allows users to record their voice chats on PS5 and send them for review to moderation. The pop-up you currently see on PS4 is meant to inform you that when participating in a voice chat with a PS5 player (after the launch), that chat could be recorded and sent by the PS5 player from their PS5 console to YOU.“
For users who are so outraged about the new update, this may be good news.
What has your experience been with the new update 8.00 so far? Is everything running smoothly for you or are you experiencing problems on your console?
