Congresswoman Presses Sony Over Data Breach

29 Apr, 2011 By: Chris Tribbey

Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Calif., is pushing for legislation to better protect consumer information, following a massive breach that compromised the personal data of more than 77 million PlayStation Network subscribers.

“I am deeply troubled by this latest data breach,” she said in a statement. “It reinforces my long-held belief that much more needs to be done to protect sensitive consumer information. Most importantly, Americans should be quickly informed when their personal information has been hacked, especially in instances like this where there is an obvious potential for large-scale identity theft.

“Clearly, consumers need additional safeguards, and I will soon introduce legislation designed to provide it. In addition, I have directed subcommittee staff to begin a thorough investigation into this latest incident to determine if hearings are needed.”

Bono Mack is chair of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, which has the lead on online privacy issues in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sony Computer Entertainment hopes to have some services restored by Tuesday for the PlayStation Network, which has been offline since April 21. Sony determined that between April 17 and 19 “user account information was compromised in connection with an illegal and unauthorized intrusion into our network,” the company said in a statement. Personal data of PlayStation 3 users, potentially including credit card information, was taken.

“While I remain hopeful that Sony and law enforcement officials will quickly determine the extent of this data breach, it serves as a reminder — as well as a wake-up call — that all companies have an overriding responsibility to protect personal information and to promptly notify consumers when that information has been jeopardized,” Bono Mack said.

Her statement comes two days after a class action lawsuit was filed against Sony on behalf of PlayStation Network members. The suit seeks compensation for the data loss and loss of use of the Sony PlayStation Network, credit monitoring and other relief based on the extent of damage PlayStation Network users incur due to the data theft.
 

Related Links :

Sony: PlayStation User Information Compromised

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