Square Enix Implements Employee Protection Measures to Combat Online Toxicity

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, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, underscore the need for such protective measures. Square Enix's proactive stance aims to prevent similar situations from impacting its workforce.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a broad spectrum of harassment, including:

Harassment Examples:

• Acts of violence or violent threats
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, undue pressure, stalking
• Defamation, personal attacks (across various online platforms), and threats of business disruption
• Persistent unwanted contact, repeated visits
• Unauthorized entry onto company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online interactions
• Discriminatory language or behavior based on race, religion, origin, etc.
• Privacy violations (unauthorized photography or recording)
• Sexual harassment

Examples of Undue Demands:

• Unreasonable product exchanges or demands for monetary compensation
• Excessive requests for apologies, particularly those targeting specific employees
• Requests for products or services exceeding reasonable limits
• Unreasonable demands for employee punishment

This policy is a necessary response to the escalating issue of online harassment within the gaming community. Past incidents, including death threats against Square Enix staff and negative reactions targeting voice actors based on their personal identities, highlight the urgency of such protective measures. The company's commitment to protecting its employees is evident in its willingness to pursue legal action against perpetrators. The policy serves as a strong message that harassment will not be tolerated.