It's a given, anytime technology allows for a new way for people to broadcast their genitals, it's gonna happen. Case in point with Sony's new PlayStation 4, as according to Engadget, owners are going chatroulette, omegle and using the console's Twitch streaming service and the PlayStation Eye to show off their own one eyed monsters.
As you might expect, this is a giant violation of Twitch's rules. Evidently, the folks over at Twitch had either encountered the problem before, or have access to an excellent crystal ball, because this type of behavior is mentioned specifically in Twitch's Terms of Service. Under the "Prohibited Content" section, you'll notice the following:
"BY USING THE TWITCH SERVICE, INCLUDING THE INTERACTIVE AREAS YOU AGREE NOT TO post, upload to, transmit, distribute, store, create or otherwise publish through the Twitch Service any of the following - Content that is unlawful, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, indecent, lewd, suggestive, harassing, threatening, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, abusive, inflammatory, fraudulent or otherwise objectionable;"
As you might expect, with the little ones no doubt crawling all over the PlayStation Network dropping F-bombs and popping off headshots in Call of Duty: Ghosts, Twitch is banning any and all sexual exhibitionists they come across, but even Twitch can't be everywhere. Making sure the company isn't the subject of a lawsuit, if you go further into the TOS, you'll find this:
"Twitch takes no responsibility and assumes no liability for any Content posted, stored or uploaded by you or any third party, or for any loss or damage thereto, nor is Twitch liable for any mistakes, defamation, slander, libel, omissions, falsehoods, obscenity, pornography or profanity you may encounter."
Twitch isn't scheduled to hit the Xbox One until sometime next year, but I wouldn't be surprised if the same sort of thing happened when the the service does arrive. Even with Twitch's absence, that doesn't mean Microsoft isn't having its own problems with some of the console's streaming services.
A post on Reddit surfaced earlier this week, where a Xbox One owner made a video using Upload Studio with the word "dick" in it, which resulted in a 24 hour suspension period, making MakVolci unable to use the service. Other users were reporting similar problems on the Xbox forum, but that wasn't the end for MakVolci. After using similar language on Skype, he reported a message from the service shortly thereafter, saying he was banned for "past behaviour."
Microsoft has since issued a statement on the matter, telling TechCrunch:
"To be clear, the Xbox Live Policy & Enforcement team does not monitor direct peer-to-peer communications like Skype chats and calls. Also, we take Code of Conduct moderation via Upload Studio very seriously. We want a clean, safe and fun environment for all users. Excessive profanity as well as other Code of Conduct violations will be enforced upon and result in suspension of some or all privileges on Xbox Live. We remain committed to preserving and promoting a safe, secure and enjoyable experience for all of our Xbox Live members."
It seems like this is more of an issue with Skype and Upload Studio, but given Microsoft's decision to include the apps, they have a certain say in things as well. Whether you agree or not, Twitch banning people from braodcasting a live sex show is understandable. But this seems a bit extreme. To play devil's advocate, swearing is something that a lot of people took issue with when playing online, and people who run around squealing "bitch," "faggot," and "nigger" against other random gamers have no place in civilized society, virtual or not.
But to eliminate it outright, ban anyone who uses "foul" language in private conversation? I can guarantee that a lot of people would've re-considered purchasing a $500 console if they knew they could be outright banned from communication for something as pithy as some choice language, particularly when a number of the console's launch titles (Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Ryse: Son of Rome, etc.) feature this exact type of communication. Keep in mind this is also happening on the supposed next-generation of a console, of which the last generation's Kinect actually encouraged this type of language by allowing gamers to swear commands in games like NBA 2K13, and Dead Space 3.
