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, encompassing threats of violence, defamation, and other disruptive behaviors. The company asserts its right to deny services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in harassment.
This policy underscores the growing need for such measures within the gaming industry, where online harassment has become increasingly prevalent. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, highlight the severity of this issue. Square Enix's proactive stance aims to prevent similar situations from impacting its workforce.
The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers all levels of the company, from support staff to executives. While encouraging fan feedback, it firmly establishes unacceptable boundaries. Specifically outlined forms of harassment include:
Harassment Defined:
- Acts of violence or violent behavior
- Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, undue pressure, excessive pursuit, or reprimand
- Defamation or slander, attacks on personal character (across various online platforms), and threats of disrupting business operations
- Persistent inquiries or repeated visits
- Unauthorized entry onto company premises
- Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online interactions
- Discriminatory language or actions based on race, ethnicity, religion, origin, profession, etc.
- Privacy violations through unauthorized photography or videography
- Sexual harassment, stalking, or repeated stalking behavior
Undue Demands Defined:
- Unreasonable requests for product changes, exchanges, or monetary compensation
- Unreasonable demands for apologies, especially those targeting specific employees or partners
- Excessive requests for products or services beyond acceptable norms
- Unreasonable and excessive demands for employee punishment
This policy reflects the unfortunate reality of online abuse faced by game developers. Recent examples, such as the harassment of voice actors due to their personal identities, underscore the urgent need for such protective measures. Past incidents involving death threats against Square Enix staff and the cancellation of events further emphasize the importance of this policy. By taking a firm stance, Square Enix demonstrates its commitment to the safety and well-being of its team.
