Microsoft Will Ban People For Offensive Language

Code of conduct updates and terms of service modifications happen rather often in the world of today's digital entertainment sphere, but one thing a lot of people probably don't expect from the COC is that they won't be allowed to use offensive language. In fact, Microsoft can ban you for using offensive language if it catches you.

Over on the updated Microsoft service agreement page, it reveals that back on March 1st, 2018 the services agreement was updated with a few choice changes, including in the code of conduct section, which note that if you use offensive language or engage in fraudulent activity through your Live account your account may be suspended or banned.

Specifically in the Code of Conduct, section A, part IV, states that sharing inappropriate content or offensive material can result in your account being banned or suspended, including but not limited to using "offensive language."

The code of conduct for Xbox Services was also updated, clarifying that people violating the rules will have their accounts temporarily suspended or permanently banned, depending on the infraction committed. Worst of the punishments is having the "content licenses" forfeited. Typically, this refers to gamers that have been digitally signed to your Xbox Live account. There isn't a clear explanation of if this means stripping the games off of the account, or banning players from accessing their games, but it definitely seems like a fairly harsh penalty.

Some gamers, in the past, had worried that the all-digital future could prove to be harmful for the security of their digital gaming libraries, since many wondered what would happen if their Xbox Live accounts were banned? Well, it appears there may be restrictions on the content licenses, but once again the penalty isn't completely clarified.

Additionally, it does note that if you violate the code of conduct for Xbox Live you will also lose some Xbox Gold Membership time, and any Microsoft account balances you may have.

The one thing that's not made clear is the tie-in effect to the Microsoft Live services versus the Xbox Live services. For instance, if you game on Windows 10 you log into games using your Windows Live account. However, if you install the Xbox App or use the Play Anywhere feature, your Windows Live account also works as your Xbox Live account. So, obviously, some gamers might find it worrisome if they have both accounts tied together and end up violating the code of conduct for one or the other.

Microsoft won't be enforcing the new code of conduct for the Live services until May 1st, 2018. The update to the services that was recently put in place this March was basically to give a heads-up to users about what's to come.

If you check the Xbox Live code of conduct page, however, it doesn't quite mention anything about offensive language, so it's a slight toss-up as to how much crossover may be applied when suspensions are doled out for certain Live infractions. Nevertheless, I'm sure certain swear-centric gamers aren't going to be too fond of this new rule, whether they're playing on Xbox Live or Windows 10.