Square Enix Enacts Anti-Harassment Policy

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. The policy explicitly defines various forms of harassment, encompassing threats of violence, defamation, and other disruptive behaviors. The company asserts its right to deny services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in such conduct.

The policy's implementation underscores the growing need for robust protective measures within the gaming industry. Online harassment has become increasingly prevalent, with numerous high-profile incidents targeting developers, actors, and other industry professionals. Examples include death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence. Square Enix's proactive stance aims to mitigate these risks for its employees and partners.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a wide range of personnel, from support staff to executive leadership. While encouraging feedback, Square Enix firmly states that harassment is unacceptable and clearly outlines prohibited behaviors.

Key Prohibited Actions Under the Square Enix Anti-Harassment Policy:

Harassment:

• Acts of violence or violent threats
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, excessive pursuit, or unwarranted reprimands
• Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across various online platforms), and threats of business disruption
• Persistent or repeated inquiries and visits
• Unauthorized entry onto company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online interactions
• Discriminatory language or conduct based on race, ethnicity, religion, origin, occupation, etc.
• Privacy violations through unauthorized photography or videography
• Sexual harassment, stalking, and repeated stalking behavior

Undue Demands:

• Unreasonable product returns or monetary compensation requests
• Unreasonable apology demands (especially those targeting specific employees or partners)
• Excessive requests for products or services beyond acceptable norms
• Unreasonable and excessive demands for employee punishment

This policy reflects a necessary response to the escalating issue of online harassment within the gaming community. Recent incidents, such as the online abuse faced by voice actors, highlight the urgent need for companies to actively protect their employees. Past experiences, including death threats against Square Enix staff and event cancellations due to threats, have undoubtedly influenced the development of this policy. The company's commitment to taking legal action against perpetrators demonstrates its resolve to create a safer environment for its team.