Sony's last update on the ongoing PSN downtime claimed that the company wouldn't bring the service back online until it can ensure the security of the network and your data. The original expectations were to have the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services back online within a week of their shutdown on April 20, but as the deadline came and went, the company was forced to further delay the return following a new security breach.
Talking to Bloomberg today, a Sony spokesperson said that the company was still in the process of adopting improved security systems and was planning to restore full functionality of its services by May 31. That's nearly six weeks of downtime, and while you'd hope to see online play restored in a much quicker timeframe, the report claims that Sony is "uncertain" when the PSN will actually get back up and running.
As part of their efforts to compensate users for the security breach and service outage Sony has announced it will be launching an identity theft protection program in the U.S. that includes a $1 million insurance policy per user, and a "goodwill gesture" that will include free downloads, 30 days of free PlayStation Plus access to new and existing members, and 30 days of free Qriocity service. Sony is working on similar deals for account holders in other countries.
Besides facing a lawsuit as well as legal inquiries from governments around the world, the prolonged downtime of the PlayStation Network is also affecting investor confidence. Sony shares dropped 3.7% on Friday.