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 against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, highlight the need for stronger protective measures. Square Enix's decisive action aims to prevent similar situations from impacting its workforce.
The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers all levels of staff, from support personnel to executives. While encouraging fan feedback, the company firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. Specific examples of prohibited behavior include:
Prohibited Actions Under Square Enix's Anti-Harassment Policy:
- Harassment: Acts of violence or threats thereof; abusive language, intimidation, or coercion; defamation or slander; persistent inquiries or repeated unwanted contact; trespassing; unlawful restraint; discriminatory speech or conduct; invasion of privacy; sexual harassment; stalking.
- Undue Demands: Unreasonable product exchanges or monetary demands; unreasonable apology requests; excessive service requests; unreasonable demands for employee punishment.
The policy outlines consequences for violations, including service denial and, in cases of malicious intent, legal action or involvement of law enforcement.
This proactive stance by Square Enix underscores the industry's increasing need to address online harassment. Recent incidents, such as the targeted harassment of voice actors like Sena Bryer, and past threats against Square Enix employees resulting in arrests, underscore the seriousness of the issue. The company's history of facing threats and event cancellations further emphasizes the necessity of such a robust policy.
