Square Enix Creates New Policy To Protect Employees From Toxic Fans

Square Enix Unveils Robust Anti-Harassment Policy to Safeguard Employees and Partners

Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to protect its workforce and collaborators from online abuse. The 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 perpetrators.

The policy's implementation underscores the growing need for such measures within the gaming industry. Online harassment has become increasingly prevalent, targeting individuals across various roles, from voice actors to executives. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, highlight the severity of the issue.

Square Enix's policy explicitly outlines various forms of harassment, including:

Harassment:

• Acts of violence or threats of violence
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, stalking, and undue pursuit
• Defamation, slander, and personal attacks across various platforms (email, social media, etc.)
• Persistent inquiries, repeated visits, and trespassing
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online means
• Discriminatory remarks or actions based on race, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics
• Privacy violations, such as unauthorized photography or video recording
• Sexual harassment

Undue Demands:

• Unreasonable product exchanges or demands for monetary compensation
• Excessive requests for apologies or punishment of employees
• Requests for products or services exceeding reasonable limits

The policy empowers Square Enix to take decisive action, including service denial and legal recourse, against individuals engaging in malicious harassment. This proactive stance reflects a commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for its employees and partners. The company's actions follow previous incidents involving death threats against its staff, demonstrating a clear commitment to protecting its team from online abuse. This policy serves as a significant step towards combating online harassment within the gaming community and sets a strong precedent for other companies in the industry.