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Sony deactivates PS4 account linking with Facebook profiles

Earlier this week Sony announced a software update for the PS4, and now the company has detailed another change with players no longer able to link their accounts with their Facebook profiles.

There is no precise reason for the deactivation of the feature, with Sony only posting a blog apologising for the inconvenience caused by the change, along with what is no longer available as a result.

“Starting on October 7th, 2019 Facebook integration will no longer be supported on the PS4 system. This includes Facebook’s share features such as posting gameplay and trophy activity and using the friend finder feature. We apologize for any inconvenience,” writes the company.

Sharing in particular takes a hit thanks to this recent change, with players no longer able to share screenshots, videos, music, trophy details, or links to gameplay broadcasts via Facebook right now.

Sony has also listed the following changes and tips as a result of the linking announcement:

  • Users will no longer have the ability to link their Facebook account to their PlayStation Network account. This means Friends List features, such as adding friends from Facebook will be removed.
  • Profile pictures imported from Facebook will no longer be used. We recommend selecting a new picture for PlayStation friends to identify you. There are multiple options for changing your profile picture on PS4 to an Avatar or image of your choosing.
    • On PS4, go to [Settings] > [Account Management] > [Account Information] > [Profile] > [Profile Picture]
    • Alternatively on PS4, you can select your Profile from the Function area. Click on the […] button to the right of [Set Online Status]. Then [Edit Profile] > [Profile Picture]
    • You can also upload an image in the PlayStation App from your mobile device

Pondering why Sony has chosen to make this move, Facebook’s data privacy concerns made famous by the Cambridge Analytica scandal is the most likely reason. The social media platform is also working on getting things ironed out with Sony when it comes to data, posting a message about its dealings with the Japanese firm.

“Today, we announced our agreement with the US Federal Trade Commission. As part of that agreement, we will be operating under a comprehensive new framework for protecting people’s privacy and the information they give us. The order requires a fundamental shift in the way we work. As a first step under this new framework, we are announcing action that impacts dozens of partners who had access to data to build Facebook experiences or features for their devices that should have been wound down.,” the Facebook post reads.

According to Kotaku this deactivation is only temporary.

“We’re working with Sony to finalize an updated contract designed to improve the Facebook integration on PlayStation,” an unnamed spokesperson told the publication.

“While these discussions are in progress, Facebook features will not be available on PlayStation 4. We hope to bring these features back as soon as our teams reach agreement,” Kotaku concluded.

While a disruption of services can prove frustrating, it is at the very least pleasing to see firms ensure that the data of its users remains secure when it comes to Facebook-related features.

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