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. This policy clearly defines unacceptable behavior, encompassing a wide range of actions, from direct threats of violence to online defamation. The company asserts its right to suspend services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in harassment.

The policy's implementation reflects the growing prevalence of online harassment within the gaming industry. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of gaming events due to threats, underscore the urgent need for such protective measures. Square Enix's policy aims to prevent similar situations from affecting its workforce.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers all levels of personnel, from support staff to executives. While encouraging fan feedback, it firmly establishes boundaries, specifying what constitutes harassment and outlining the company's response.

Examples of harassment as defined by Square Enix include: threats of violence, defamation, business disruption, trespassing, unlawful restraint (including via phone calls and online), discriminatory conduct, privacy infringement (unauthorized photography or video recording), sexual harassment, and stalking. The policy clearly differentiates between legitimate feedback and unacceptable harassment.

In response to harassment, Square Enix reserves the right to deny services and, in cases of malicious intent, may initiate legal proceedings or involve law enforcement.

Key Provisions of the Square Enix Anti-Harassment Policy:

Harassment includes:

• Acts of violence or violent threats
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, excessive pursuit, or reprimand
• Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across all online platforms), and threats of business disruption
• Persistent inquiries or repeated unwanted contact
• Unauthorized entry onto company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online interactions
• Discriminatory language or actions based on race, ethnicity, religion, etc.
• Privacy violations (unconsented photography or recording)
• Sexual harassment and stalking

Undue Demands include:

• Unreasonable product exchanges or demands for monetary compensation
• Unreasonable apology requests (especially those targeting specific employees)
• Excessive requests for products or services beyond accepted norms
• Unreasonable demands for employee punishment

This decisive action by Square Enix underscores the growing necessity for developers to protect their teams from online abuse. Recent incidents, such as the harassment faced by voice actors like Sena Bryer, and past threats against Square Enix staff (resulting in arrests), highlight the severity of the issue. The company's proactive stance sets a positive example for the industry.