Microsoft Prohibiting Offensive Language on All Services

By LUDWIG VON KOOPA - Newsflash: So does almost everyone else (except KoopaTV).

I have seen multiple articles on several sites, along with people being upset on social media platforms, that Microsoft is updating their Microsoft Services Agreement's Code of Conduct to clarify that “offensive language” is a no-no, and they can terminate your Microsoft Account (including access to Xbox Live and your licensed-not-sold games) for being a jerk.

Here is the before (current) and after (as of May 1):

iv. Don’t publicly display or use the Services to share inappropriate Content or material (involving, for example, nudity, bestiality, pornography, graphic violence, or criminal activity).

iv. Don’t publicly display or use the Services to share inappropriate content or material (involving, for example, nudity, bestiality, pornography, offensive language, graphic violence, or criminal activity).

I suppose if that's how far you look, then yes, all they did was add “offensive language” to the Microsoft code of conduct and call it a day. As a reminder, that applies to everything Microsoft, from Skype to Minecraft to Xbox Live to even Microsoft Office. You also can't curse out Cortana.

It isn't new information that, according to Microsoft's stuff you gotta agree to, they can shut down your Xbox games if you do something they don't like on Skype. It's one reason I strongly dislike Skype, along with the fact that it's an awful instant messenger that lacks features. So from a privacy perspective, there isn't new information here.

But is it new information that they can take away your Xbox games if you're a jerk? ...Well, no. I have evidence, of course.

TAKE THAT!

Did you read “Microsoft’s Code of Conduct Explained for Xbox Live Customers”, last updated August 2015? (Here is an archive.is version so this article makes sense in the future.) Everything in that document applies as rules that Xbox Live players must follow. Or else they may suffer any number of consequences, including a permanent suspension and device ban.

So what is naughty under Xbox rules? Well, spreading lies (or FAKE NEWS) is prohibited. No threats. No advertisements.

Some of these rules, such as no nudity, have been around since at least 2010.
(Picture source: RawkHawk2010, the year he was born)

Curiously, you're not allowed to intimidate, bully, or scream at others. No screaming? ...Can that be enforced?

You also cannot post “negative speech”, which is the Xbox way of saying offensive speech. Profane words and phrases are specifically labeled as prohibited content.

In short, this is much ado about nothing, which is usually the case when gamers make a stir about code of conduct updates.

If you're wondering, the other console manufacturers have similar policies, though their services ecosystems are much smaller than Microsoft's. You're free to (and...you really should as a consumer) look at everyone's terms of use and code of conducts.


If you're wondering about KoopaTV's code of conduct governing your behaviour, the site doesn't actually have a formal one. You just need to not be even more of a jackass than any of KoopaTV's staff members, which is a very low bar. It's hard to do that much damage from the comments section, but KoopaTV would not like to see you try. The KoopaTV Loyalty Rewards Program incentivises good comments anyway. Carrots, not sticks!