SE Launches Policy to Safeguard Staff from Harassment

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 from online abuse and threats. The policy explicitly defines various forms of harassment, ranging from direct threats of violence and defamation to more subtle yet equally damaging behaviors.

The policy's creation reflects the increasing prevalence of online harassment targeting gaming industry professionals. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats, highlight the urgent need for such protective measures. Square Enix's commitment underscores its dedication to fostering a safe and respectful environment for its workforce.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a wide spectrum of unacceptable conduct, including:

Harassment Examples:

• Threats of violence or acts of violence
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion
• Defamation, personal attacks (across various online platforms)
• Persistent harassment, repeated unwanted contact
• Trespassing on company property
• Unlawful restraint through calls or online inquiries
• Discriminatory language or behavior
• Privacy violations (unauthorized photos or recordings)
• Sexual harassment and stalking

Undue Demands:

• Unreasonable product exchanges or demands for compensation
• Excessive apology requests, especially those targeting specific employees
• Requests for products/services exceeding acceptable norms
• Unreasonable demands for employee punishment

The policy empowers Square Enix to take decisive action against harassers, including service denials and, in cases of malicious intent, legal action or involvement of law enforcement. This proactive stance is a necessary response to the growing problem of online abuse within the gaming community. Past incidents, such as death threats against Square Enix staff and the cancellation of events due to threats, underscore the gravity of the situation and the importance of robust protective measures. The policy serves as a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.