Microsoft has revealed that ahead of the Xbox One’s launch, it will be launching a new mandatory Terms of Use (TOU) agreement for Xbox Live that will require keeping your personal information up to date. Despite fears of Microsoft misusing consumers’ personal data – fears which the recent NSA scandals have done nothing to help with – the company has assured consumers that it is simply for security reasons, such as when you link new apps like Netflix to your account.
The official announcement on Xbox Wire states that, “From time to time, we update and add to the features and services that we offer through Xbox Live. For instance, we recently retired Microsoft Points in favor of local currency. When we make some of these changes, it is necessary for Microsoft to update the Xbox Live Terms of Use (TOU). In order to continue using Xbox Live, you – or your parent, if you are a minor – will need to accept this updated agreement.
“Later this week, we will roll out an updated Terms of Use and you will receive a notification on your console that you must accept the new TOU. For many Xbox Live members, this shouldn’t take much time away from what you’re doing. The Xbox Live Terms of Use is a legal agreement, and as a result, parents must accept the TOU on behalf of members who are minors – those who are under 18 in most regions.
“Protecting your account from unauthorized access and fraud is a top priority for us. It helps keep Xbox Live safer and more secure for everyone. That’s why the TOU now asks all users to commit to keeping their contact information up to date. By the way, now is a great time to make sure your security proofs are valid and accessible to you.
“More app experiences available via Xbox Live are provided by a partner with whom you may have a separate online account. If you choose to link this account with your Xbox Live account, we confirm key data points across the accounts by sharing data such as your name, address, email address and date of birth with the partner. In this TOU update, customers agree to allow Microsoft to share this information in this manner.
“Because Xbox Live is continually evolving, releasing a new, updated Xbox Live Terms of Use is an occasional necessity. We hope that by sharing this heads up, we can help make this process go smoothly for our members.”
Sound good to you or are you suspicious of Microsoft’s motives? Let us know in the comments below.