Are free PS3 themes harmful?

Since PlayStation 3 themes contain only image files, they cannot do any damage to the console. Image files are not able to transmit harmful viruses or malware.

Custom themes for PlayStation 3 alter the appearance of the background image and the images of individual icons. In the worst case scenario, these images will be sized incorrectly or have corrupted data, which should prompt the system to notify the user that the theme cannot be used. Parents may wish to screen themes before allowing children to install them. However, the themes are not necessarily restricted from containing images that they may find inappropriate or offensive.