ESRB unintentionally exposes email addresses of people who filed complaints over Blizzard's Real ID system [Updated]
by Gregg Reece 
Jul 12th 2010 at 9:55PM
During the recent Real ID catastrophe on the forums, many players decided to appeal to an industry source that might have been able to sway Blizzard to change its mind. These players contacted the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) as a Better Business Bureau-type middleman in this situation with their concerns. The ESRB itself has championed such causes in the past with its Privacy Online program, which is designed to help companies meet various privacy laws like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Since Blizzard recanted its decision about the forums, the ESRB faithfully followed up with those concerned.
Unfortunately, in that followup email, the ESRB exposed individuals to a new set of privacy concerns.
The letter and more information after the break.
The email reads as follows:
However, it appears as if the ESRB don't necessarily understand the basics themselves. In what could be called a rookie mistake, the ESRB did a Reply All to everyone who had emailed them with concerns, thus unintentionally exposing almost 1,000 email addresses to the other recipients.Thank you for contacting the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) regarding the policy recently announced by Blizzard Entertainment which would have required participants in its official forums to post comments using their real first and last names, and for expressing your concerns regarding potential privacy implications.
It is our understanding that Blizzard has provided an update announcing that it will not be implementing the above-referenced policy with respect to its forums, and users will not be required to post using their real names. You can read Blizzard's announcement regarding this most recent development at http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=25968987278&sid=1&pageNo=1.
Separately, if you have questions regarding Blizzard's implementation of its Real ID option -- which by our understanding is unrelated to Blizzard's plans for its forums -- and/or the new capabilities this option offers, they will likely be answered by reviewing the information posted at http://www.battle.net/realid/.
ESRB, through its Privacy Online program, helps companies develop practices to safeguard users' personal information online while still providing a safe and enjoyable video game experience for all. We appreciate your taking the time to contact us with your concerns, and please feel free to direct any future inquiries you may have regarding online privacy to our attention.
Regards,
Entertainment Software Rating Board
I'm sure the irony of the last paragraph in the ESRB's letter isn't lost on anyone.
Filed under: News items, Account Security
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 10)
Adam Holisky Jul 12th 2010 9:54PM
"/facepalm"
RoseClown Jul 12th 2010 10:04PM
/facedesk
jasonlstroh Jul 12th 2010 10:27PM
/facewall
Zaros Jul 12th 2010 10:21PM
second the /facedesk.
They later sent another e-mail without the cc and instead a bcc.
They did not recall the first email ( i know you can if you use firstclass)
It was a fail.
Basil Berntsen Jul 12th 2010 10:28PM
http://picture.funnycorner.net/funny-pictures/4796/face-palm.jpg
Hollow Leviathan Jul 12th 2010 10:28PM
This action is what is in the dictionary when you look up pants-on-head retarded.
rukamich Jul 12th 2010 10:35PM
Pants-on-head retarded seems to be the "in" thing here. You guys JUST discover ZP? lol
Hivetyrant Jul 12th 2010 10:35PM
the best part was some of the email address names, like:
"Iwillkeepmyemailprivate@ESRB.org"
Slartibartfast117 Jul 12th 2010 10:45PM
/facefloor
yeah... my head went through my desk
lazy110458 Jul 12th 2010 10:48PM
I delight in the irony
Maybe this is what the LK was talking about
Julianne Jul 12th 2010 11:00PM
/facepalm Now, who do I complain to about the ESRB violating my privacy?
GryphonStalker Jul 12th 2010 11:00PM
(_ _);; *head-desk*
Titusx Jul 12th 2010 11:10PM
Just what I thought! Lol!
This is what I call, adding insult to injury... or injury to insult... you get the point.
PThunder Jul 12th 2010 11:29PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX7wtNOkuHo
Stevey Jul 12th 2010 11:34PM
I think that ESRB got the message a little too late that they wernt going to be exposing the names, they probably did this on purpose to ease everyone into the the fact that our privacy is going to be violated...The person who hit reply all probably didn't read what the reply said, only copied and pasted from his boss....failzorlazors.
OR
ESRB was just plain pissed off that they got sent 1000+ emails...
KJP Jul 13th 2010 12:05AM
Or, just plain old-fashioned...
"D'OH!!"
BigBadGooz Jul 13th 2010 12:28AM
/facecactus
Crimson Jul 13th 2010 2:21AM
This is a fail of, dare I say, epic proportions.
Dea ex Machina Jul 13th 2010 1:15AM
WTB new desk and new face.
(cutaia) Jul 13th 2010 1:31AM
Not to make light of a situation that's probably got a thousand people upset, but:
This might be the most hilarious irony I've seen in a long time.