Sony to bring back PSN in Japan, Asia on Saturday
updated 11:20 am EDT, Fri May 27, 2011
Sony promises PSN back in Asia this weekend
Sony has announced that it would restore PSN gaming service in Japan and other regions in Asia on Saturday. The return would come over a month after the gaming network was voluntarily shut down following a hack and over a week later than other regions. Japan's government didn't let Sony reinstate user access to the network until Sony could ensure it made the necessary fixes to ensure this kind of hack doesn't happen again.
Much like in the US, Sony will offer its customers in Asia an identity protection service to help them get over fears of the hack attack that made their personal information vulnerable.
"Considering the content and volume of information leaked, it is an extremely grave incident, and it is truly regrettable that it occurred and took a considerable time to notify users and the ministry," Japan's trade ministry wrote in a statement.
Sony this week also reiterated that it plans to restore PSN service in all its markets by the end of May, with any delays likely to be only a few more days.
The company expects the hack and its ensuing consequences will cost the company $171.17 million in operating profit in the current fiscal year.
