Withdrawing its previous objection, Sony Corporation has agreed to pay a civil fine of 37.5 million yen (about US$375,000) to British authorities after the 2011 security breach of its online gaming network resulted in the leakage of millions of users’ personal information.

Sony’s PlayStation Network, which services its popular PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable and Vita gaming devices, was hacked in April of 2011, and remained down for maintenance and security testing for almost a month when it became clear than users’ information had been accessed. As a result, this January, the British Information Commissioner’s Office, which has jurisdiction over that country’s Data Protection Act, fined Sony’s European Subsidiary the equivalent of 37.5 million yen claiming the company was negligent in keeping its security protocols up to date.

Although it initially contested the claim, during the investigative process Sony came to understand that it would have to disclose specific, potentially sensitive, information regarding the measures it had in place to protect information and prevent unwarranted intrusions. Fearing it would not be able to guarantee the network’s future safety if such information were disclosed, the company withdrew its objection and agreed to the pay the fine.

A representative from the Sony Computer Entertainment’s European subsidiary said, “This decision was made in order to protect the network and does not represent an agreement with the claim made by British Authorities.”

We know Sony is likely still riding high after its E3 presentation received a standing ovation, but $375,000 still has to hurt…

Source: NHK News Web