Square Enix Unveils Robust Anti-Harassment Policy to Protect Employees 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 underscores the growing need for proactive measures within the gaming industry to combat online harassment. Recent incidents, including death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, highlight the severity of this issue. Square Enix's decisive action reflects a commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for its workforce.
The detailed policy, available on the Square Enix website, explicitly outlines various forms of harassment, including:
Harassment Examples:
- Acts of violence or violent threats
- Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, excessive pursuit, or reprimand
- Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across various online platforms), and threats of business disruption
- Persistent inquiries or repeated unwanted contact
- Unauthorized entry onto company property
- Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online communication
- Discriminatory language or behavior based on race, ethnicity, religion, etc.
- Privacy violations such as unauthorized photography or video recording
- Sexual harassment and stalking
Undue Demands:
- Unreasonable requests for product changes, exchanges, or monetary compensation
- Excessive demands for apologies or punishment of employees
- Requests for products or services exceeding acceptable norms
The policy emphasizes that while Square Enix values feedback from its community, harassment will not be tolerated. The company reserves the right to suspend services and initiate legal proceedings against perpetrators of malicious harassment.
This proactive stance by Square Enix is a necessary response to the increasing prevalence of online harassment targeting game developers and their associates. Past incidents, such as threats against voice actors like Sena Bryer and previous threats against Square Enix staff leading to arrests, underscore the urgent need for such policies. The company's commitment to protecting its employees reflects a growing awareness and responsibility within the industry to combat online toxicity.
