Xbox, the gaming giant in the midst of a firing frenzy and whose CEO was just appointed to the Federal Reserve, has been humbled by one of their own players. As reported by Tom’s Hardware, when a Brazilian player attempted to restore their compromised account, a curt customer service response prompted them to take the complaint to court instead. Despite sending a full legal squad to dispute one gamer, Microsoft lost the case.
Back in April, user Ordo_Liberal posted on Reddit that despite having two factor authentication set up, Microsoft reported that their account had been compromised and its security information altered. Microsoft’s customer service claimed the account was unrecoverable, suggesting they simply re-purchase every game. Unsatisfied with that answer, they sought out PROCON, Brazil’s comprehensive consumer protections agency.
In short time, it appears Ordo_Liberal won their court case. Using all the corresponding emails and support tickets, the courts decided they were obviously the original owner of the account and that Microsoft knew this, despite providing the useful information to kick rocks. Microsoft has been given 15 days to restore the account and pay $2000 real (approx $400 USD) in damages.
It’s important to note that this case isn’t expected to create much of a precedent. Brazil takes these protections seriously, and PROCON makes it very accessible to pursue small-claims damages, not even requiring court costs or securing a lawyer. Stateside, the legal system overwhelmingly seems to side with corporate business interests, making the odds of this verdict being recreated a little iffy. Despite these seemingly small stakes, Microsoft still sent 12 lawyers to defend them. The company has not yet responded to the trial, making more time to address conspiracy theorists on Twitter.
Since the early days, if Xbox detected any funny business with your console you were susceptible to having your account suspended. As Microsoft streamlines their product lines and services, a compromised account can have far reaching consequences. You could find yourself suspended from not only games and saves but Windows and Office suite. And even if you imagine yourself as above phishing schemes or weak passwords, have fun walking your parents through it. As ownership of digital games and software licenses become tenuous at best, trending towards paying more and owning less, it’s important to know you can carry a grudge all the way to the judge.