PS5, does Sony ban users who use the console's “hidden” browser?

It looks like Sony has started taking drastic action against those who try to access the PS5's hidden browser. In fact, according to reports currently appearing online, users who exploit unofficial methods, such as sending links through chat, are receiving automatic warning emails and risk having their PSN account banned. This decision by the Japanese giant reflects the company's desire to protect the console from potential threats such as “jailbreak”. Indeed, remember that the PlayStation 5 does not offer an open and officially accessible browser, but for a long time we have found alternative methods to use it, such as sending a link to Google via message. This method, used by some to watch videos on YouTube or Twitch in picture-in-picture mode while gaming, seems to have flown under Sony's radar. Several users, including GamingKyuubi on Reddit, have reported that sending a simple Google URL via message immediately generates an automatic email from Sony warning of a code of conduct violation.

According to the emails, sending URLs, even seemingly innocuous ones, is considered a threat, on the grounds that the links could be used to harm other players. According to this report, also confirmed by other users, the Japanese company appears to have automated this process, with detection occurring instantly when the link is sent. Although the company has implemented similar measures in the past, this is the first time that regular URLs have generated formal warnings and potential bans. The main reason behind these measures is to protect the console from “jailbreaking” practices, which exploit browser access to bypass security protections. Some users are trying to use alternative methods, like using URLs linked to Bing or DuckDuckGo, but Sony may soon weigh in on those options as well. Faced with this unexpected news, the main advice for PS5 users is to avoid any attempts to access the browser or send links via messages, in order to avoid incurring sanctions that could compromise the account forever PSN through a permanent ban.