You should turn off this function
The PlayStation 5 has a lot of great features to offer so that you can gamble without any problems. However, the integrated micro in the PS5 controller is not entirely harmless. Privacy advocates are now sounding the alarm and recommending immediate action. Luckily there is an easy fix.
The PlayStation 5 eavesdrops on your conversations
A microphone is built into the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller, so you can connect without a headset can entertain while gambling. However, the actually useful feature is now calling German privacy advocates onto the scene. The digitalcourage site sounds the alarm and warns of a PS5 that can overhear your private conversations.
The reason for the danger is a standard setting of the PS5. Accordingly, the microphone in the controller is always switched on and ready to transmit. It then hangs solely from the gamewhether you are initially muted or directly broadcast your voice to other players.
This could also easily private calls are transmitted, which the DualSense controller catches. What’s particularly misleading here is that the PlayStation 5 doesn’t alert you that your voice is being heard. Instead, there is only a warning when the microphone is disabled. (Source: digitalcourage)
Sony is now also offering a special Pro Controller for the PS5:
PS5: How to disable the microphone in the controller
Meanwhile, the PS5 is anything but new. Nevertheless, the microphone problem has not changed. After all, you can take care of the protection of your data yourself. You can disable the microphone by default in your PlayStation settings. To do this, you must first select “Sound” and then the setting under the point “Microphone status when logged in” set to mute. The measure has worked if the light on your controller glows orange after a restart.
The privacy advocates also give you a good reason why you should better disable the default setting. In the terms of use of the PlayStation, Sony explains that theoretically voice recordings are not only saved, but also completely reused or even sold at will may be. digitalcourage would therefore like Sony to switch off the microphone by default with a software update. In addition, more transparency is required about when the microphone actually picks up your voice.
