Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

PlayStation 4 gamers' chat to be monitored by anti-terror agents, says Italian minister Andrea Orlando

The move comes after Belgian authorities said Paris attackers could have used it to communicate

Caroline Mortimer
Sunday 29 November 2015 18:16 GMT
Comments
The PS4 chat feature is harder to monitor "than Whatsapp"
The PS4 chat feature is harder to monitor "than Whatsapp" (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Italian government will monitor communications among users of the "chat" feature on PlayStation 4.

Justice Minister Andrea Orlando told Il Messaggero that the Sony games console’s messaging system could be used by terrorists to plot attacks.

He said they would invest €150m (£106m) in reforming information and security services within the year.

Mr Orlando said: "The internet offers numerous opportunities for communication and counter-terrorism investigations have reported that PlayStation could also be a tool used, so any form of communication should be monitored."

Just before a string of co-ordinated terror attacks in Paris which left 130 people dead, Belgium’s Federal Home Affairs Minister Jan Jambon warned intelligence services had discovered a hidden recruitment channel placed in the games console.

He said: "PlayStation 4 is even more difficult to keep track of than WhatsApp."

It comes as Italian security authorities are said to be on high alert ahead of the beginning of the Vatican’s "Jubilee Year" on 8 December- which will see an expected 25 million Catholic pilgrims travelling to Rome to seek the remission of their sins.

Andrea Orlando announced the move amid fears about security in Rome ahead of the Vatican's Jubilee Year
Andrea Orlando announced the move amid fears about security in Rome ahead of the Vatican's Jubilee Year (Elisabetta Villa/Getty Images)

The day after the Paris attacks, Italy announced it would send an extra 700 troops during the year long holy festival.

Speaking to a local Italian TV station, TG1, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Paolo Gentiloni, said the city had a "symbolic propaganda value" for Isis.

He said: "So far our intelligence and security forces have worked very well but we cannot underestimate the threat."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in