PlayStation reportedly bans account for GTA 6 leak shared in PS App messaging

Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar have requested DMCA takedowns of GTA 6 leaks on social media. Sony also appears to be monitoring the PS App for unauthorized footage. Redditor Silver-Succotash-612 alleges an acquaintance’s PlayStation account suffered a ban after sharing a video.

According to the poster, a companion tried to send the GTA 6 gameplay clip, possibly from Cyberleek, to a contact. The PSN profile was frozen immediately, prompting a support request. They learned an appeal would take 3 months, making regaining access in the near term unlikely.

Is Sony always watching?

Gamers should take the claim with a grain of salt, but bans have happened after posting TOS-breaking content. In one example, a user uploaded a Conan Exiles screenshot depicting nude characters in a private group chat. That individual saw their PlayStation account banned for 30 days.

What’s unique about the Redditor’s story is the prompt and severe punitive action. Normally, Sony employees don’t investigate potential violations unless a gamer reports them. In this case, only two friends were discussing a GTA 6 leak in the PS App.

Automated monitoring may explain the gameplay clip’s instant detection. In March 2025, the console maker introduced Nudge, which detects and warns chatters about inappropriate messages. Even so, support still isn't supposed to view communications or restrict a PlayStation account without a report.

The Rockstar PlayStation alliance

Another scenario is that PlayStation has taken special precautions ahead of the GTA 6 release date. Rockstar and Sony have signed a lucrative marketing deal. The PS5 game can attract massive numbers of new customers to the hardware’s ecosystem. Leaks spoiling announcements could damage both companies.

Most observers agree Silver-Succotash-612’s friend should have found an alternative to the PS App. Cyberleek’s videos spread through platforms less susceptible to DMCA strikes. Regardless, some readers raised privacy concerns and questioned the justification for an indefinite ban.