Barbara
## XBOX INTRODUCES NEW VOICE CHAT MODERATION FEATURE
Xbox has announced the launch of a new reactive voice chat moderation feature, allowing players to report inappropriate voice chat messages. This feature, which is currently being tested by Xbox Insiders, allows players to capture and submit 60-second audio clips for review by the Xbox safety team.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PLAYER SAFETY
Kim Kunes, Xbox GM of Trust and Safety, emphasized that voice chat moderation is part of Xbox’s comprehensive approach to ensuring player safety. In an interview with The Verge, Kunes explained that Xbox already proactively moderates text, images, and videos, and the addition of reactive voice moderation addresses the audio portion of content moderation.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE AND NON-INVASIVE APPROACH
The new reporting feature has been designed to be as minimally invasive as possible, enabling players to capture and report offensive clips without disrupting their gameplay. If a player hears something inappropriate, they can capture it in the moment and submit their report later.
PRIVACY AND SECURITY MEASURES
Kunes clarified that Xbox does not actively listen or store player voice chats. Recording is strictly carried out through the reporting functionality for moderation purposes only. Players are unable to save or share the captured clips separately from the reporting mechanism. Moreover, the clips captured for moderation are automatically deleted after 24 hours, with Xbox reminding players to submit their reports before deletion.
HUMAN MODERATION AND CONTEXTUAL REVIEW
Reported clips will be reviewed by human moderators rather than algorithms, with context playing a crucial role in the moderation decisions made by Xbox. Players have the option to provide additional text context when submitting their reports, and those affected by moderation decisions can also appeal the outcome.
FUTURE ROLL-OUT
The reactive voice chat moderation feature is currently available exclusively to Xbox Insiders in English-language markets, including the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Xbox intends to gather feedback from its insider group before finalizing a plan for a wider roll-out in the coming months.
COMBATING HARASSMENT IN THE GAMING INDUSTRY
Reactive voice chat monitoring is a growing trend among game companies to combat harassment. Games such as Overwatch 2 and Valorant have already implemented voice chat moderation programs, and Sony announced a similar feature for the PlayStation 5 in 2020.
XBOX’S COMMITMENT TO PLAYER SATISFACTION
Xbox views the introduction of reactive voice chat moderation as a response to the desires of its player community. By continuously advancing its ability to meet player expectations, Xbox aims to create a welcoming and safe environment for all gamers.
Sources:
– Xbox News – Xbox Voice Reporting Feature (news.xbox.com)
– The Verge – Overwatch 2 Defense Matrix audio transcription phone number (Article not used in citation)
