Sony has announced that it will be issuing lifetime PlayStation Network bans to anyone found guilty of hacking following a recent PlayStation 3 security exploit release.

A new piece of PlayStation 3 hacking software was recently released to the public and Sony has warned that anyone discovered to be using it will face a permanent ban from the PlayStation Network. A statement released by Sony reads:

Unauthorized software for the PlayStation3 system was recently released by hackers. Use of such software violates the terms of the “System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System” and the “Terms of Services and User Agreement” for the PlayStationNetwork/Sony Entertainment Network and its Community Code of Conduct provisions.

Violation of the System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation3 system invalidates the consumer’s right to access that system. Consumers running unauthorized or pirated software may have their access to the PlayStationNetwork and access to Sony Entertainment Network services through PlayStation3 system terminated permanently.

To avoid permanent termination, consumers must immediately cease using and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation3 systems.

In order to help provide a safe, fair, online environment, consumers who we believe violate “Terms of Services and User Agreement” for the PlayStationNetwork/Sony Entertainment Network or the applicable laws or regulations of their country or region risk having access to the PlayStationNetwork and access to Sony Entertainment Network services terminated permanently.

Is handing out lifetime bans a fair punishment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.