Users of Microsoft's new Xbox One gaming console who upload videos with a lot of insults will see strict "penalties" imposed on their accounts, including limited privileges.
According to the company, gaming videos that contain "excessive" profanity will be taken down and their creators' access to some features of the Xbox Live network will be restricted.
Microsoft says that all files uploaded to Upload Studio are checked for code of conduct violations, with the aim of maintaining a "clean", safe and fun environment for all users. However, as noted, this measure does not include Skype conversations.
Xbox Live, which allows users to upload files, including videos they've captured themselves, and participate in multiplayer games, was also available on previous versions of Xbox, but the company is increasing its oversight measures in the case of Xbox One.
Microsoft's statement, as published in TechCrunch, reads as follows: "To be clear, our Xbox Live Policy and Enforcement team does not monitor direct peer-to-peer conversations, such as chats or Skype calls. We also take our Code of Conduct enforcement through Upload Studio very seriously. We want a clean, safe, and fun environment for all users. Excessive profanity, as well as other Code of Conduct violations, will be monitored and will result in the restriction of some or all privileges on Xbox Live. We remain committed to maintaining and promoting a safe and fun experience for all Xbox Live users.".
The company has not clarified exactly how the videos uploaded are reviewed (through automated processes or not), or whether the “restrictive measures” imposed on accounts as a deterrent will increase if the user continues to violate the code of conduct. However, the “penalties” do not appear to be permanent.
The whole issue came to light when gamers posted on various forums that their consoles were displaying messages telling them to "play something else" and complaining about restrictions on the use of Skype and Xbox One. The reactions in the gaming community are intense, with many users complaining that there was no kind of warning from Microsoft first, while there are not a few who are talking about clear censorship on the part of the company
Source: naftemporiki.gr
