Xbox Unveils New Safety Measures Ahead of Safer Internet Day 2026

On February 4, 2026, Xbox announced a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing user safety and transparency ahead of Safer Internet Day, scheduled for February 10. The announcement coincides with Xbox’s milestone 25th anniversary, reaffirming the company’s commitment to creating a secure gaming environment for all players.

In a statement, Kim Kunes, Vice President of Gaming Trust & Safety at Xbox, emphasized the importance of protecting players as the gaming industry evolves. “Bringing the joy of gaming to everyone means protecting the people who play,” Kunes stated, highlighting the company’s dedication to ensuring a positive gaming experience.

New Transparency Report and Industry Standards

This year, Xbox released its sixth Transparency Report, which details the steps taken to enhance player safety over the past year. Key findings reveal significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) moderation and a substantial reduction in spam complaints. Xbox’s AI systems expanded their scope to address 11 additional harmful topics, enabling more effective identification of inappropriate content.

The proactive moderation strategy resulted in a remarkable 90% drop in spam message complaints compared to the previous year and a 23% decline in complaints regarding messages from non-friends. Such improvements aim to foster a more enjoyable gameplay experience.

Xbox is also enhancing its age verification protocols, which were initially introduced in the UK and are set to expand to additional regions this year. This initiative aims to ensure that children access age-appropriate content while limiting their interactions on the platform.

Innovative Tools for Parents and Players

In addition to the Transparency Report, Xbox announced new tools to assist parents in managing their children’s gaming experiences. The Xbox Family Settings app allows families to customize settings directly from their mobile devices. Features like “Ask A Parent” enable children to request approval for activities, empowering parents to make real-time decisions about their gaming engagement.

As part of its ongoing commitment to digital citizenship, Xbox will launch a new educational Minecraft world titled CyberSafe: Bad Connection? on Safer Internet Day. This free resource, available on the Minecraft Marketplace, aims to equip young players with essential online safety skills, helping them recognize risks and learn how to report suspicious activity.

Since its inception, the CyberSafe series has achieved over 80 million downloads, underscoring its impact in educating players about online safety. The latest installment will provide downloadable materials for parents and educators, facilitating critical discussions about digital safety.

Xbox’s commitment to safety encompasses continuous research and collaboration with industry partners. The company recently updated its Online Safety Principles in collaboration with Nintendo and Sony Interactive Entertainment. This ongoing dialogue aims to promote safe and inclusive gaming experiences across the industry.

As Xbox celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company remains dedicated to fostering a secure and enjoyable environment for players. For further information on Microsoft’s privacy and safety measures, resources are available through the Microsoft Online Safety Guides and related platforms.