Sometimes, remote control access can be used for good. In this case, not so good.
In response to a video leak of in-game footage of a yet-to-be-released video game, Microsoft has blocked several Xbox One accounts – which is understandable, it’s an online service whose accounts you can block – as well as remotely lock their Xbox One devices, rendering them completely unusable.
Yep, according to VMC, Microsoft has both permanently banned those leakers’ Xbox Live accounts and temporarily made their Xbox Ones totally unusable. If you didn’t think Microsoft had this power, you’re not alone. The digital present is scary.
Microsoft Punishes Gears Leakers By (Temporarily) Bricking Xbox Ones
They shouldn’t have leaked that footage. But they bought the Xbox hardware. Where does one draw the line between owning the device and Microsoft stepping in as virtual gatekeeper, making its own laws?
Blocking the Xbox One live account I can understand. Disabling the physical device remotely, until Microsoft decides the punishment has been enough, that’s crossing the line.
I’d be pissed if this happened to me(1).
(1) Luckily, I’m not a gamer, so chances of that happening are virtually zero.