Statement - Private In-Game Messages

Statement - Private In-Game Messages 24 February 2012

Statement from the Lead Community Manager "Silberfuchs":

Aloha Ladies & Gentlemen,

I would like to provide you with an explanation regarding the login text that was introduced with Patch 4.0.8. The pop-up message is in line with German law but is poorly formulated for the situation at hand and can easily be misunderstood. The message is in the process of being changed and should be completed in time for the next round of server maintenance.

I would also like to give you some background to the message:

In the past, there has unfortunately been several instances of illegal behaviour among our players. Some customers, particularly female minors, were being harassed by older male customers. However, we were not authorised to investigate the relevant written communication since players’ messages have hitherto been treated as confidential. We were not allowed to side-step the legal provisions for protecting the confidentiality of telecommunications, which includes private messages and chats, even in cases of suspected criminal offences.

It was also not possible for us to automatically filter sent messages for spam which, as you have probably noticed, has led to increased numbers of spamming gold sellers. In order to automatically minimise messages such as these, we must first inform users that filtering takes place. Without employing such methods, our department would not be able to work effectively at stamping out gold sellers, which, alongside generally improving your gaming experience, is one of our main priorities.

Once users have been informed that private messages may be inspected in cases of suspected wrongdoing, we are able to improve your overall gaming experience. The act of informing our customers means that the contents of private messages no longer fall under the scope of telecommunication privacy laws. Once informed, players have the option of no longer using chat messages.

However, I want to emphasise that this does NOT mean that messages are permanently stored, nor will surveillance be used where there is no suspicion of wrongdoing.

Here at Frogster, we are of the firm conviction that it is in the interests of the majority of our players to act on harassment, particularly sexual harassment of minors, as well as taking measures against players who interfere with the game’s balance and diminish the general enjoyment of other users through illegal trade.

As you know, we take constructive criticism very seriously and this is why we are taking this opportunity to re-work the pop-up message so that it is clearer and more understandable. And rest assured, no chat messages will be investigated before this change is made.

Be aware that we Community Managers are not legal experts. If this announcement has not allayed your concerns, you can confidently turn to our support portals:

DE: https://support.frogster.de/

FR: https://support.frogster.fr

ES: https://support.frogster.es

PL: https://support.frogster.pl

US: https://support.frogster-online.com

Source: Runes of Magic forum