When some PlayStation 4
users downloaded the latest 8.0 update today, they found out that their console
can now record their voices of fellow players for moderation purposes.

Initially, there was no
update regarding voice recordings, but after a few hours, Sony confirmed that
the message was correct.

Here’s what Sony said
in its official blog post:

Following
this update, users are seeing a notification about Party Safety and that voice
chats in parties may be recorded. Voice chat recording for moderation is a
feature that will be available on PS5 when it launches, and will enable users
to record their voice chats on PS5 and submit them for moderation review. The
pop up you’re seeing on PS4 right now is to let you know that when you
participate in a chat with a PS5 user (post-launch), they may submit those
recordings from their PS5 console to SIE.

Basically, what it
means is that by joining a voice chat—even if you use PS4—your voice will get
recorded and it will be submitted to Sony to evaluate moderation. Of course,
it’s invasive, but hey, it could potentially favor you in case the other party
members harass you or anything.

No, it’s not like Sony
has been listening to your conversations all this time. The changes were added
recently as part of the new avatar that permits parental controls and supports two-factor-authentication.

Also, to prepare for
the launch of PlayStation 5, Sony has completely rebranded the Remote Play
mobile Mac and PC apps to PS Remote Play. You will soon be able to connect it
to the PS5 once the new console releases.