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 need within the gaming industry to address the concerning rise of online harassment. High-profile incidents, including death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, underscore the severity of this issue. Square Enix's decisive action demonstrates a commitment to creating a safer environment for its workforce.
The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, explicitly outlines various forms of harassment, including but not limited to:
Harassment Examples:
- Threats or acts of violence
- Abusive language, intimidation, and coercion
- Defamation and personal attacks across various platforms (email, social media, etc.)
- Persistent harassment, repeated unwanted contact, and trespassing
- Unlawful restraint through calls or online inquiries
- Discriminatory behavior based on race, religion, origin, etc.
- Privacy violations (unauthorized photos or recordings)
- Sexual harassment and stalking
Undue Demands:
- Unreasonable product exchanges or demands for monetary compensation
- Excessive requests for apologies or punishments targeting employees
The policy empowers Square Enix to take decisive action, including service denials and legal recourse against perpetrators exhibiting malicious intent. This proactive approach is a direct response to past incidents, such as death threats against staff in 2018 and 2019, highlighting the urgency of such protective measures within the industry. The policy serves as a strong statement against online harassment and a commitment to fostering a respectful and safe environment for all involved with Square Enix.
