Holy S**t, Really?
Yes, really. Starting on May 1st, Microsoft will have the power to ban you if they detect any offensive language being used on Xbox Live, Skype or through Cortana. There are other Microsoft services that will be affected by the new rules, all of which are covered in the updated terms of service.
According to a summary of the changes, bans may result in the loss of “content licenses, Xbox Gold Membership time, and Microsoft account balances associated with the account.” In other words, getting banned might lose you your games, your Gold membership and your credit. That’s a pretty steep penalty for a few naughty words.
On top of that, Microsoft reserves the right to “investigate your Content” in order to determine whether or not foul language was actually used. They have no intention of policing their entire service, but they will search through your data to confirm a violation has occurred. Aside from offensive language, the updated rules also target fraudulent activity. At least, that one is a bit easier to define in legal terms. Offensive language doesn’t have the same clearly demarcated borders, Unfortunately, it’s up to Microsoft what constitutes offensive language. Consumers and players likely won’t know they’ve crossed a line until it’s too late. Hopefully the company offers up some guidelines to keep the bans from getting out of hand after May 1st. Or maybe they won’t engage in this evil, draconian s**t at all. A man can dream.