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Microsoft has confirmed a change to its terms and conditions that will allow users to more freely express themselves in their online gamertag.
The move comes amidst criticisms that Microsoft had unfairly discriminated against users of minority or ethnic groups by blocking the use of terms or names that can often be used abusively.
Since the beginning, Microsoft has made an investment in the security and safety of Xbox LIVE and created tools and monitoring practices to ensure it is a fun and welcoming entertainment experience for people of all races, nationalities, religions and sexual orientations,” Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten stated.
Under our previous policy, some of these expressions of self-identification were not allowed in gamertags or profiles to prevent the use of these terms as insults or slurs.
However we have since heard feedback from our customers that while the spirit of this approach was genuine, it inadvertently excluded a part of our Xbox Live community.
With that in mind, I’d like to announce an update to the Xbox Live Terms of Use and Code of Conduct which will allow our members to more freely express their race, nationality, religion and sexual orientation in gamertags and profiles.”
