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.
Given the pervasive nature of online harassment within the gaming industry, this policy is a timely and necessary measure. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, underscore the urgent need for such protective measures. Square Enix's commitment to protecting its workforce reflects a growing awareness of this critical issue.
The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a broad spectrum of employees and partners, from support staff to executive leadership. While encouraging fan feedback, the company firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy clearly outlines specific behaviors constituting harassment, including:
Square Enix Anti-Harassment Policy Highlights:
Harassment Includes:
- Acts of violence or threats of violence
- Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, and excessive pursuit
- Defamation, personal attacks (across various online platforms), and threats of business disruption
- Persistent inquiries and repeated unwanted contact
- Trespassing on company property
- Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online inquiries
- Discriminatory speech or conduct based on protected characteristics
- Privacy infringement through unauthorized recording
- Sexual harassment and stalking
Undue Demands Include:
- Unreasonable product exchanges or demands for monetary compensation
- Unreasonable requests for apologies, particularly those targeting specific employees
- Excessive requests for products or services
- Unreasonable and excessive demands for employee punishment
This proactive stance is unfortunately a necessity in the current climate. Numerous game developers have faced online abuse directed at various individuals, including voice actors. Past incidents involving Square Enix, including death threats and event cancellations due to harassment, highlight the severity of the problem and the importance of this new policy. The company's commitment to protecting its employees sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
