What is error code WS-116332-6 on the PlayStation 5?

You turn on your PS5. Within seconds of going online, a screen pops up:

"This PS5's services access is permanently or temporarily suspended."

In the upper right, an error code is on display: WS-116332-6.

This is generally bad news for your PS5. While this reportedly sometimes happens when there's a network outage, it's really only meant to show up when your PlayStation 5 has been suspended or banned from the PlayStation Network (or PSN) for a Terms Of Service violation.

Examples of why that might happen:

• Suspected cheating and/or modification of the device
• Sony believes the owner of this console owes them money (such as if a credit card charge was reversed after purchasing content.)
• Suspected sharing of purchased games between friends
• The account was repeatedly reported for hate speech or other inappropriate language

Where to go from here:

• Check the email inbox associated with your PSN account. If you're suspended or banned, Sony usually emails you to explain why.
• Check the "My Support" page; if you're suspended or banned, it will generally list why and how long it'll last.
• If you believe the console has been wrongly suspended, you can submit an appeal.

One important thing to note: if you bought a PS5 secondhand and it's been banned, Sony won't lift the ban and says your only option is to contact the seller.