#Sony’s new PS5 will record conversations for moderation purposes

PlayStation maker Sony this week rolled out a new software update to allow gamers to record their online voice chats for moderation purposes.

“Please be aware that voice chats in parties may be recorded and sent to us by other users,” Sony is now telling gamers who have strapped on a headset to play with their friends online. “By participating in voice chats, you agree to your voice being recorded.”

The feature will go live when the PlayStation 5 is released next month. Recordings of potentially offensive content can then be sent to moderators to review for violations of the PlayStation code of conduct.

PlayStation’s rules ban hate speech, threats of harm, bullying and harassment as well as “[encouraging] anyone to hurt themselves or someone else.”

It does not appear that users will have to give permission for their audio to be recorded.

Sony’s next-generation video game console will hit stores Nov. 12 — two days after the Xbox Series X’s release — and will retail for $499. The all-digital edition of the gaming system, which doesn’t feature a disk drive and can only play downloaded software, will retail for $399.