Square Enix Unveils Robust Anti-Harassment Policy to Safeguard Employees and Partners
Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to protect its workforce and collaborators from online abuse and threats. This policy explicitly 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 targeting individuals. Square Enix's new policy directly addresses this concerning trend, providing a clear framework for addressing such behavior. The company has stated its commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment, while also emphasizing its right to take decisive action against those who violate this policy.
The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a wide spectrum of unacceptable conduct directed at employees and partners at all levels, from support staff to executive leadership. While encouraging feedback, the company underscores the absolute unacceptability of harassment. The policy explicitly outlines specific actions considered harassment, including:
Prohibited Behaviors (Harassment):
- Acts of violence or threats of violence
- Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, undue pressure, stalking, or excessive criticism
- Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across all online and offline channels), and threats of business disruption
- Persistent unwanted contact, repeated visits, or trespassing
- Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online inquiries
- Discriminatory language or actions based on race, ethnicity, religion, origin, profession, etc.
- Privacy violations such as unauthorized photography or video recording
- Sexual harassment
Unacceptable Demands:
- Unreasonable product returns or demands for monetary compensation
- Unreasonable requests for apologies, especially those targeting specific employees or partners
- Excessive requests for products or services beyond accepted norms
- Unreasonable and excessive demands for employee punishment
This policy underscores the necessity of such measures within the gaming industry. Recent incidents, including targeted harassment against voice actors like Sena Bryer (Wuk Lamat in Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail) and previous threats against Square Enix staff (resulting in arrests), highlight the urgent need for robust protection. The company's commitment to pursuing legal action and involving law enforcement in cases of malicious intent underscores its determination to create a safer environment for its employees and partners. The policy serves as a clear message that harassment will not be tolerated.
