Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft collaborating to improve video game player safety

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SONY), Nintendo (NTDOY), and Microsoft (MSFT) said that they are continuing to collaborate to improve player safety across their platforms. “We’ve partnered behind the scenes on these efforts because we can accomplish more when we work toward the same goal,” the companies said. “As we continue to invest in, adapt, and amplify our approaches to player safety, we have also evolved our shared principles to ensure they represent our constant efforts to keep our communities safe. Our latest shared principles reflect new innovations in player safety that have evolved with technological advancements, and new ways in which we collaborate through key industry initiatives and with trade associations.” In terms of prevention, the console makers said they are providing controls to let players customize their gaming gexperience; recognizing that safety tools must be easy to use and understand, and; informing parents and players about codes of conduct and terms of use. In terms of responsibility, the companies said they aim to make it easy for players to report violations of codes of conduct and community guidelines. “In addition to removing content not suitable for our services, we take appropriate enforcement actions for violations, including restricting players from using our services for misconduct, with escalating restrictions for egregious or repeat violations,” they said. “We engage in responsible and transparent practices, including the ethical use of all data, and deploy process enhancement technologies with skilled human oversight. We comply with all applicable laws in the places we do business and respond to legitimate requests from law enforcement. We promptly notify law enforcement if we observe unlawful conduct or where we believe a player is at risk of imminent harm. We publish our rules and requirements, and we ensure that players who have been reported understand the requirements for continued engagement with our platforms.”