Gamers Sue Sony Over PlayStation Network Breach

PlayStation purchasers are challenging gaming powerhouse, Sony, for failing to protect their private information.  The purchasers have filed a class action lawsuit related to information that was stolen by hackers who were able to breach Sony’s network.  The stolen information may include credit card data, names, passwords, addresses, birth dates, and other information used to register accounts. The class action lawsuit, filed today in the Central District of California and assigned to Judge Jacqueline Nguyen, is on behalf of anyone in the U.S. who had their personal or financial data stolen or placed at risk of being stolen from The PlayStation Network’s computer systems.    

PlayStation is a video game console made by Sony.  In 2006, Sony launched The PlayStation Network which is an online service that allows video game players to compete against other video game players online.  This online network currently has over 69 million users worldwide.   

When users join The PlayStation Network, they are required to provide various financial and personal data when registering.  On April 26, Sony acknowledged that certain users’ account information may have been compromised by an unauthorized intrusion into the PlayStation Network. 

According to Ridout & Lyon attorney, Caleb Marker, who represents the gamers, "Sony's responsibility is not only to provide services to its customers, but also to protect their personal and financial information.  This breach of personal and financial data has exposed millions of Sony’s customers to financial harm and jeopardized the security of their personal information. Sony broke its contract and violated its customers’ trust."

The law firms of Zimmerman Reed and Ridout & Lyon jointly filed the lawsuit.  The name of the lawsuit is Rebecca Mitchell v. Sony Computer Entertainment, LLC, et al., Case No.: 11-CV-03601-JHN-SSx.

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