Square Enix Enacts Protective Measures for Employees Against Online Harassment

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. The policy explicitly defines various forms of harassment, ranging from direct threats of violence and defamation to more subtle forms of online abuse. The company asserts its right to deny services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in such behavior.

This policy comes as a necessary response to the increasingly prevalent online harassment targeting the gaming industry. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats, highlight the urgent need for such protective measures. Square Enix's policy underscores its commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for its workforce.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a wide spectrum of harassment, encompassing threats of violence, defamation, business obstruction, trespassing, and more. It clearly delineates unacceptable behavior, differentiating it from legitimate customer feedback. Square Enix reserves the right to suspend services for offenders and, in cases of malicious intent, will pursue legal avenues or involve law enforcement.

Key Provisions of the Square Enix Anti-Harassment Policy:

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Acts of violence or violent threats
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, excessive pursuit, or unwarranted reprimands
• Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across all online platforms), and threats of business disruption
• Persistent inquiries and repeated unwanted contact
• Unauthorized entry onto company premises
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online communication
• Discriminatory language or actions based on race, ethnicity, religion, origin, or other protected characteristics
• Privacy violations, such as unauthorized photography or video recording
• Sexual harassment and stalking

Undue Demands include:

• Unreasonable product exchanges or monetary demands
• Unreasonable requests for apologies, particularly those targeting specific employees
• Excessive requests for products or services beyond acceptable norms
• Unreasonable demands for employee punishment

This proactive stance reflects the unfortunate reality of online abuse within the gaming community. Recent incidents, such as the harassment faced by voice actors like Sena Bryer, underscore the necessity of such policies. Past experiences, including death threats against Square Enix staff leading to arrests and event cancellations, further emphasize the importance of these protective measures. Square Enix's commitment to employee safety and well-being is evident through this comprehensive and decisive policy.