The security tool has been developed by Sony’s security partner, Trend Micro. The company announced that it would allow users to try the tool for free until the end of April next year, but hasn’t uttered a word about what is to happen after the security “honey months” are over.
According to Trend Micro, requested web pages are checked against the company’s URL databases, and access will be blocked if necessary. If the user still wants to view the site, all he has to do is to enter a specific password.
The sites are classified into specific categories (Adult/Sex, Alcohol/Tobacco, Crime, Cults/The Occult, Gambling, Hacking/Proxy Avoidance, Illegal Drugs, Sex Education, Violence/Hate/Racism, Weapons/Military, etc.). The categories to be blocked are predetermined and the users cannot select a category.
Rumor has it that the financial details of the service could hit the media during December. It would be interesting to see just how many would be willing to spend on a security service, given the fact that customers are still less than eager to buy the Sony console in the first place.
And speaking about Sony, just how soon will the company get in gear and come up with a killing line-up of games?