Can we bring back freedom of speech?

[ExcellusUltimus]

If you review the terms of service for this game, it feels like almost anything can get you banned:

Profanity: Bannable
Politics: Bannable (unless it’s LGBTQ-related)
Offending someone for any reason: Bannable

This has reached a point where I’ve stopped participating in in-game chats altogether. I haven’t actively spoken in FFXIV since the Stormblood expansion because both the community and the terms of service have changed so drastically.

For me, it’s simply not worth the risk of having a casual conversation when someone could jeopardize my account over something they personally dislike. And let’s be honest: most players don’t call GMs because they’re genuinely offended—they do it out of spite. Square Enix shouldn’t allow their moderation system to become a tool for petty revenge.

Of course, I’m aware that some people will see this post and jump to the conclusion that I just want to “say slurs” or something equally absurd. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m simply asking for the ability to talk like a normal human being in 2025 without fearing for my account. And, no, I haven't been punished or anything recently in game. In fact, I've had a clean record for 10 years because I don't talk at all!

There’s also an inherent double standard in the game. Look at the Party Finder—it’s filled with postings for LGBTQ-related events. Good for them! But if someone were to post a PF recruiting for something like a “Trump Guild,” the player base would likely report it en masse. Why is it acceptable for some groups to openly seek like-minded peers while others cannot?

I believe the terms of service need serious revision. MMOs are supposed to be social experiences, but I’m tired of treating other players like NPCs, and constantly walking on eggshells to avoid offending someone. Most of the player base are adults, and they should be forced to learn adult social skills if they haven't already. We're all big boys and girls here.

[Exmo]

Personally not a fan of saying LGBTQ+ events are in the same area as recruitment drives for certain unsavory political groups. But I don't think this thread is made in earnest.

[ExcellusUltimus]

Who mentioned Hitler anywhere? Are you okay? Calling something you don't like "Hitler" should be an automatic account suspension under the current TOS, but I'm sure it won't be. Not that I'd bother reporting you.

[Dante131]

Someone mentioned something in a thread about the Nono tool that I can’t stop thinking about. They pointed out that you could literally get reported for simply telling someone to turn on their tank stance. If I hadn’t experienced something similar myself, I would have dismissed it as nonsense, but now I can’t deny it anymore. It’s crazy how many people in this game avoid communication or report others over the most trivial things, all while labeling other communities as toxic.

[Dante131]

Who mentioned Hitler anywhere? Are you okay? Calling something you don't like "Hitler" should be an automatic account suspension under the current TOS, but I'm sure it won't be. Not that I'd bother reporting you.

cant see anything about hitler though ...

[Raraka]

If you are having a civilized discussion the moderators are not going to take action, as long as both parties involved were in it

If you one-sidedly bring up a topic, get asked to stop, and continue, thats when they will absolutely enforce the rules

[ExcellusUltimus]

He edited his comment.

[ExcellusUltimus]

cant see anything about hitler though ...

He edited his comment. Sorry I'm not forum savvy.

[ExcellusUltimus]

Someone mentioned something in a thread about the Nono tool that I can’t stop thinking about. They pointed out that you could literally get reported for simply telling someone to turn on their tank stance. If I hadn’t experienced something similar myself, I would have dismissed it as nonsense, but now I can’t deny it anymore. It’s crazy how many people in this game avoid communication or report others over the most trivial things, all while labeling other communities as toxic.

The TOS are intentionally vague because they ultimately want to have control over their game and community. That makes sense, but the indisputable truth is that the community in games abuses moderation tools. We're lucky that SE cares enough to have GM staff. In games like WoW, the system is entirely automated. This means that popularity contests determine whether things like account silences are issued, and human oversight happens much later, if ever. So we're not nearly at that level yet, and hopefully we never will be.

[Exmo]

cant see anything about hitler though ...

I edited my comment because I used an example OP wasn't able to follow, they misunderstood my point and began responding aggressively. I've removed the example to make it clearer that apples are not oranges.