Square Enix shares new policy against harassment of their employees and executives
Square Enix Group published a policy addressing harassment of its employees, executives and partners on January 10. According to the announcement, there have been instances that constitute “customer harassment” (such as defamation, violence and threats) of Square Enix employees, which has compromised their sense of security.
Square Enix warns that it will be taking action against any behavior determined to be harmful or exceed what is socially acceptable. This means that in response to harassment or unreasonable demands, the company will cease to provide its products and services to offenders. In addition, if a user’s behavior is deemed to be excessive or of malicious intent, Square Enix will take legal action, including criminal proceedings.
The company provides the following examples of customer harassment and socially unacceptable behavior:
Harassment:
Act of violence, violent behavior
Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, duress, excessive pursuit or reprimand
Defamation/slander, denial of a person’s dignity, personal attacks (including email, contact in contact form, comment or post on the internet), advance notice of wrongdoing, advance notice of obstruction of business
Persistent inquiries, repeated visits
Trespassing by visiting or staying in an office or related facility without permission
Unlawful restraint, including via telephone calls and online inquiries
Discriminatory speech and conduct regarding race, ethnicity, religion, family origin, occupation, etc.
Infringement of privacy by taking pictures or making video recordings without consent
Sexual harassment, stalking, repeated stalking behavior
Undue demand:
Unreasonable demands for changes or exchange of product, or unreasonable requests for monetary compensation
Unreasonable demands for responses or apologies (including face-to-face responses or requests for an apology from an employee in a specific job position)
Excessive requests for the provision of products and services exceeding socially accepted norms
Unreasonable and excessive demands for punishment of our employees
Other Japanese game companies, like SEGA and Level-5, have recently made/strengthened similar policies against customer harassment.
