A class action lawsuit has been filed against Sony over the removal of the PlayStation 3's "Other OS" feature which allowed users to install and use a Linux operating system on the console. Sony removed the feature via a firmware update at the start of April, citing "security concerns".
In the suit filed on April 27, Anthony Ventura refers to "intentional disablement of the valuable functionality originally advertised as available" on the PlayStation 3 and says that the company has deceived "millions of unsuspecting customers."
As reported by IGN, the lawsuit also complains that the removal of the feature was not for security as stated by Sony, but for preventing piracy. It reads, "On information and belief, contrary to Sony's statement, the 'security concerns' did not involve a threat to PS3 users, but rather reflected Sony's concerns that the Other OS feature might be used by 'hackers' to copy and/or steal gaming and other content."
The suit also says that Sony violated "Unfair Competition Law" by preventing users who did not update to the latest firmware from accessing the console's online features.
It then continues, "This class action lawsuit is brought on behalf of a nationwide class of all persons who purchased a PS3 during the period of November 17, 2006 to March 27, 2010 and who did not resell their PS3 before March 27, 2010."
Although no amount is specified, Ventura is seeking compensation and legal fees, which the suit states "is in excess of $5 million."
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