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 from online abuse. The policy clearly defines various forms of harassment, ranging from direct threats of violence and defamation to more subtle yet equally harmful behaviors.
The gaming industry, increasingly interconnected through digital platforms, has unfortunately witnessed a rise in harassment incidents. High-profile examples, such as death threats against actors and event cancellations due to online threats, underscore the urgent need for such protective measures. Square Enix's new policy is a direct response to this concerning trend.
The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, explicitly outlines unacceptable behaviors targeting employees and partners at all levels of the company. While encouraging fan feedback, Square Enix firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy specifically lists the following as examples of harassment:
Square Enix Anti-Harassment Policy
Harassment Includes:
- Acts of violence or violent threats
- Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, undue pressure, stalking, or excessive criticism
- Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across all online platforms), or threats of disrupting business operations
- Persistent or repeated unwanted contact
- Unauthorized entry onto company property
- Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online interactions
- Discriminatory remarks or actions based on race, ethnicity, religion, origin, profession, etc.
- Privacy violations, such as unauthorized photography or video recording
- Sexual harassment
Undue Demands Include:
- Unreasonable product returns or demands for monetary compensation
- Excessive or unreasonable requests for apologies, particularly those targeting specific employees
- Demands for products or services exceeding reasonable expectations
- Unreasonable and excessive demands for employee punishment
This policy underscores the necessity for proactive measures within the gaming industry. Recent incidents, including online abuse targeting voice actors based on their identity, highlight the pervasive nature of this issue. Past experiences, such as death threats against Square Enix staff leading to arrests, further emphasize the importance of this policy. By implementing this comprehensive policy, Square Enix demonstrates a commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for its workforce and partners. The company reserves the right to deny services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in harassment.
