Latest PS4 Update Asks To Collect EU Users' Data [Update]

Update: In a statement to GameSpot, Sony confirmed that it is not attempting to collect any new data from users with the latest PS4 update. "We are not collecting any new data," the company said, "We are being more transparent and offering consumers choice."

The statement continues: "In line with GDPR requirements, we make every effort to be transparent with our users about how we collect, use and manage their data; we will not be collecting any new or additional information from our users. service data would encompass data necessary to provide users with the service they request (e.g. if a user clicks on a link to a new page, downloading the page to the device). On the other hand, additional data is information that does not need to be collected to provide users with the service they request, most analytics / usage, settings & navigation data would fall into this category; this leads to improved user experiences. Please see our Privacy Policy."

The company also confirmed there is no way to opt out of supplying service data unless you choose not to play online. You can, of course, opt out of supplying additional data. Original story follows.

Sony recently released a new PS4 update that appeared to be another small, incremental patch to improve stability. However, once the optional update is installed, a message appears informing European PS4 users that Sony "may collect data about this PS4 and how it is used." While it is not clear if Sony is collecting additional data from before, the requirement to agree to such data collection does appear to be new.

The message states that two sets of data can be collected from your PS4. The first of these is service data, which Sony defines as "data necessary to provide online services." The second--"additional data"--includes "navigation, usage, and settings data."

A separate "about device data" screen states Sony needs to send, receive, and log data about which apps you use and content you consume. For example, it may need to know which shows you watch in a video app in order to pay licensors for that content, while some online games will need to know your characters' movements in order to communicate that to other players online. Other service data includes your network configuration, devices you have connected to your PS4 (such as controllers and PSVR headsets), error data, legal data, and load time data.

Additional data, meanwhile, can include detailed information like "when and how you use the game's user interface, which parts of the game level you visit, which weapons you use, and which characters you interact with." It can also include which sections of the PlayStation Store you visit and which system settings you alter. You can decline to provide your additional data, but once you've installed the update there is no way to proceed without agreeing to the collection of service data.

Sony says it uses device data to produce anonymous statistics, understand and improve performance of new products, detect and minimize fraudulent or unauthorized behaviour, and, if you agree to the collection of the additional data, deliver you personalized ads.

GameSpot staff in the US did not receive the above messages. It's not clear if Sony is accessing more data from European users than before the update or if it is simply disclosing its data collection more clearly now due to impending changes to data collection regulations in the European Union. The regulations, dubbed GDPR, come into force in May 2018, so Sony may simply be preparing for the upcoming change in law. GameSpot has contacted Sony for clarification.