Sony is providing compensation to PlayStation Network users in the United States affected by a major breach in April 2011, half a year after agreeing to a settlement stemming from a class action lawsuit. The original attack, resulting in the closure of the online service and Qriocity for close to a month, risked the personal data and payment details of more than 77 million accounts.
Game Informer reports that owners of a PlayStation Network, Qriocity, or Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) account before May 15th of that year are eligible for compensation, depending on the service. The compensation options include free PlayStation 3 or PlayStation Portable games, PlayStation 3 themes, three months of PlayStation Plus, up to $4.50 in SOE Station Cash, and a free month of Music Unlimited for Qriocity account owners who did not have a PSN account.
Games and service funds are not the only things being offered in the effort. PlayStation Network and SOE accounts that have remained inactive since the intrusion can receive refunds for any cash stored on their accounts. People affected by identity theft and can prove it was caused by the April 2011 intrusion can apply for reimbursement, up to the value of $2,500.
The claim forms are available online and need to be supplied before August 31 of this year, though the terms of the compensation could still change. The case will be heading to court on May 1 for approval of the settlement, as well as fees, costs, and expenses incurred by the Class Counsel up to the value of $2.75 million.
