Recently, Microsoft updated their terms of service for all its online services which includes Xbox Live. Normally, this wouldn’t be a big issue but it is what’s being included. Microsoft is warning all its Xbox Live player-base that offensive language could result in you getting your online account suspended or even banned.
According to their updated document, it read:
“In the Code of Conduct section, we’ve clarified that use of offensive language and fraudulent activity is prohibited. We’ve also clarified that violation of the Code of Conduct through Xbox Services may result in suspensions or bans from participation in Xbox Services, including forfeiture of content licenses, Xbox Gold Membership time, and Microsoft account balances associated with the account.”
Their previous TOS (terms of service) referred to offensive language as “profane words or phrases” that would mostly hurt or wound people, particularly women and minorities. Microsoft added:
“We are committed to providing our customers with safe and secure experiences while using our services,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. “The recent changes to the Microsoft Service Agreement’s Code of Conduct provide transparency on how we respond to customer reports of public content that violates our terms of service.”
which does not signify a policy change as much as a clarification of potential consequences of the use of offensive language. Given that offensive language and gaming goes hand in hand and given anonymity is a source for it all, it will be interesting to see if this system will actually work or but it seems that policing all of this seems unlikely. Maybe this is just Microsoft’s lawyers using it as a cover for going after the most unpleasant trolls who have been repeatedly reported to them. It will be interesting though to see exactly what will happen when the first person gets hit that really didn’t do anything wrong.
