Square Enix Unveils Employee Shield Against Online Harassment

Square Enix Unveils Robust Anti-Harassment Policy to Protect Staff and Partners

Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to safeguard its employees and collaborators. This policy clearly defines unacceptable behavior, encompassing threats of violence, defamation, and other forms of harassment. The company asserts its right to deny services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in such conduct.

The policy's implementation reflects a growing concern within the gaming industry regarding online harassment. High-profile incidents, including death threats and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, underscore the need for such protective measures. Square Enix's proactive stance aims to prevent similar situations from impacting its workforce.

The detailed policy, available on the Square Enix website, explicitly outlines various forms of harassment, differentiating them from legitimate feedback. This includes, but is not limited to: threats of violence, defamation, business obstruction, trespassing, persistent unwanted contact, discriminatory language, privacy violations, and sexual harassment.

The policy further clarifies what constitutes "undue demand," encompassing unreasonable product exchanges, excessive apology requests, and unreasonable service demands.

In cases of harassment or undue demands, Square Enix reserves the right to terminate services and, where malicious intent is evident, pursue legal action or involve law enforcement.

This decisive action by Square Enix is a necessary response to the escalating issue of online harassment within the gaming community. Recent examples, such as the targeted harassment of voice actors based on their gender identity, highlight the severity of the problem. Past incidents involving death threats against Square Enix staff and the cancellation of events due to threats further emphasize the importance of this policy.

Square Enix Anti-Harassment Policy Summary:

Harassment Includes:

• Acts of violence or violent behavior
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, duress, stalking
• Defamation, personal attacks (online or offline)
• Persistent inquiries, repeated visits, trespassing
• Unlawful restraint
• Discriminatory speech or conduct
• Privacy infringement (unauthorized photos/videos)
• Sexual harassment

Undue Demands Include:

• Unreasonable product exchanges or monetary compensation requests
• Unreasonable apology demands
• Excessive service requests
• Unreasonable demands for employee punishment

This policy underscores Square Enix's commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for its employees and partners.