Microsoft is updating its terms of service on May 1st, and the new rules explicitly prohibit the use of “offensive language” across its various platforms. Those platforms include Skype and Xbox Live. The full lists prohibit a lot of things, including nudity.
“By agreeing to these Terms, you agree that when using the Services, you will follow these rules,” the new code of conduct explains. “Do not publicly display or use the Services to share inappropriate content or material (including, for example, nudity, bestiality, pornography, offensive language, violence, or criminal activity).”.
In other words, wanting to talk more "freely" with your relationship, who may be far away, could theoretically lead to your Skype account being closed. Microsoft is explicit about this.
“If you violate these Terms, we may stop providing Services to you or close your Microsoft Account. We may also prevent the delivery of a communication (such as email, file sharing, or instant message) to or from our Services in an effort to enforce these Terms. We may also remove or refuse to post your content for any reason.”.
How Microsoft is going to manage to find all these "bad" kids using offensive language across its hundreds of platforms is not clear.
“When investigating suspected violations of these Terms, Microsoft reserves the right to review your content in order to resolve the issue. However, we cannot and will not monitor the entire Services.”
This suggests that the company will respond to complaints, while at the same time possibly monitoring some of its services for people who violate the code of conduct.
Of course, if Microsoft wants to find violators of these new rules, it only needs to look at most of the games on its own platform. Some Xbox Live titles certainly contain some kind of "violence.".
