Sega has announced that it has taken legal action against an individual committing consistent harassment against one of its employees (thanks, Automaton).
In a post on its Japanese corporate site, Sega explained that it had been in contact with the individual in question for some time, but after the harassment had not improved, the firm was forced to take legal action.
Sega also states that it will continue to take similar matters seriously - describing the current case as a "serious human rights issue that damages the dignity of employees and deteriorates the work environment” - and will act according to its Customer Harassment policy. In other words, if anybody thinks of being mean to Sega's employees, perhaps think twice before doing so.
The end result is a settlement in which damages will be paid to Sega on behalf of the employee. The individual perpetrating the harassment will be required to delete any instances of slander or insults while ensuring that no further acts are committed in the future.
The decision has been met with positive reception, with game developer Taira Nakamura stating “Harassment is something I also suffered with when I was in the position of producer, and it’s so reassuring to see a company take action in this way and talk about it publicly to deter others (from committing acts of harassment)".
What do you make of this case? Leave a comment with your thoughts down below.
[source sega.co.jp, via automaton-media.com]
Comments 36
Good, it's just as bad as harassment in public. I think people should be held accountable for what they say online.
Honestly? GOOD.
When harassment is bad enough that legal action can even be considered, then that action should be taken.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences.
Maybe that will help with stopping crazy cowards sending death threats to anyone they don't like.
Considering this is Japan, you know how real it is when a company there takes action or how bad the harassment was to the point of having to take action.
@Pat_trick The joys of fairytales....
Good riddance to that ol’ bloke.
Nice move Sega, still I'm pretty sure companies take less legal actions than they should for these cases
A major reason that people don't want to work for/with the public, most customers are cool but the crazy ones are dangerous. Getting yelled at by someone you've never met and harassed online or in person should never be part of a job, it isn't that important leave people alone.
Love to see it and even more so since Sega did give a chance to this individual to stop the harassment before taking legal action - everyone can make mistakes, but if you persist in doing it then it's all on you!
I'm more concerned this didn't happen sooner. We all know too well the dark evil that is Sonic fans
Good!
Rightly so.
They are a video game company. They are making a fun game for you. No need to harrass an individual over any irritations or upset you have with the product.
Does this mean all the “reply guys” on Twitter and other social media sites are guilty of harassment? Politicians are employees too.
Be nice, be kind, be considerate. Not easy to do when something gets under your skin, but it’s something to aim for.
Deliberately attacking/cyber bullying someone is an absolute no no and should be dealt with accordingly.
I wonder what the harassment was even about?
Unfortunately this is just a drop in the bucket. Won't change much industry-wise, but still worth it at least for their employees. Can't be fun being harrassed or getting death threats constantly-.-'
Good. Harassment, doxxing, threats, etc., online or offline, should never be tolerated. Even IF the target did wrong with significant proof (which I highly doubt happened in this case), that's when the legal system should become involved. We've seen the unfortunate results of "mob justice" time and time again.
To all of gamers and consumers out there. If a game product or service upset you then file a complaint with the dev or company, never go out to harassed, threaten, or dox any of the people that created the product or service. You had the rights to give feedbacks and file complaints but never ever go out of your way to threaten or harassed anyone involve in the working economy.
Harassment in any form is unacceptable and a company should always look out for their employees. Good to see Sega doing something about it here.
I remember staff of Gamefreak getting harassed and some people even sent death threats to a staff member while he was attending a wedding. It was disgusting to put it mildly.
@Samalik Why do you say that? Japan is less tolerant to public misbehavior than most countries, it actually makes a lot more sense to happen there.
@Iconoclysm my point exactly
SEGA commercial ends
Unfortunately there are some really psychotic people in the Sonic community. Around a decade ago someone got so mad at Sonic Boom giving Sonic blue arms that he sent Sega a glitter bomb and pepper sprayed a Gamestop employee for trying to stop him from vandalizing the displays.
I hope this becomes more common overall. People have so little protection against death threats, doxxing, catfishing (as having their identity assumed by cat fishers) and persistent harassment. Especially employees that are in public facing positions.
It used to be socially acceptable not to be an ahole. Then again I am Southern so maybe that’s why I feel that way.
Removed - inappropriate
@Samalik Oh, I see. I thought you meant Japan usually wouldn't do this when you say "you know this is real when".
@Spider-Kev Nobody should have to do deal with intolerant behavior towards them when they're just doing their jobs. Seems like the offender is the one that needs to grow the thicker skin...and maybe a money tree for the lawsuit.
People are always mean to me on this site. Nintendolife take them to court.
based Sega for taking action on this
Good on sega for this. Now game freak should do this. (Seriously there was sadly so many people mad that the natdex was removed that they constantly sent threats to the employees)
I swear something has been put in the water when it comes to the Sonic fandom, they get violent, insane, & just act like total whack-jobs. Not sure about the individual that did the harassing.
Good, this needs to happen until people stop abusing developers. I have plenty of issues with plenty of games or studios, and still never felt the need to send anyone death threats. It's possible to act like a human rather than an animal.
A case where a corporation is using the legal system where it should be used, instead of against fans. Nintendo could learn a thing or two about this, although Sega is just as guilty as Nintendo and all the rest regarding Vimm's Lair.
"Good on you, Sega"
(question (regarding this part of this article): an editorial comment)
@Samalik
"The joys of fairytales...."
(question: why the "...." in this message)
I'm happy to see Sega doing this. From a person standpoint, harassment is terrible, flat out. And from a business standpoint, your employees make you your money, protecting them is important, and it's about time SOME corporation understood that. Even if it's only a small victory, a miniscule one even, I'll take it.
@Mario500 Because it's disappointing that's not how the world works
Way to go Sega!
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