Sony denied permission to issue subpoenas to Google, PayPal, others over fail0verflow fiasco

As you're probably aware, Sony's been having a hell of a time with hackers lately. Most recently, the console maker hit yet another speed bump on its fast track to court: how can you sue someone if you have no idea who they actually are? Sony's answer: turn the Internet upside-down and give it a good, hard shake.

There's just one problem with that, however. Sony's come up against a type of judge we're sure it dreads - one that says "no."

PSX-SCENE has once again nabbed documents dripping with juicy info from Sony's attempted legal tussle with fail0verflow, and they find the Japanese giant in a bit of a tight spot. Sony, you see, attempted to subpoena Google, YouTube, Twitter, PayPal, Slashdot, and many more - basically, the whole Internet - for more information on the identities of the mysterious console crackers.

US District Judge the Honorable Susan Illston, however, apparently thought that was taking things a bit too far and denied Sony's request for subpoenas. For now, then, it seems that it's back to square one.