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All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsESRB 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 2 of 10)
Zanathos Jul 13th 2010 1:36AM
Irony or karma? Either way, it's hilarious.
RuzGofDI Jul 13th 2010 2:20AM
http://www.straferight.com/photopost/data/500/medium/double-facepalm.jpg
Sanya Jul 13th 2010 3:09AM
yeah this is the best comment reply thread I've seen in a while, that was a laugh XD Wow, though. That email is so sad I almost feel bad for laughing at it.
Tomatketchup Jul 13th 2010 4:07AM
Jeez, you don't have to ruin all your furniture for this.
I just lol'd.
Shiftshapes Jul 13th 2010 4:24AM
ESRB boss: "Goddamn it, Jim."
Eisengel Jul 13th 2010 6:51AM
I think I did it again,
I made you believe I'm an incompetent friend,
Oh baby,
It might seem I'm corrupt,
But it doesn't mean I'm dubious,
'Cause to lose all my senses,
That is just so typically me,
Oh baby, baby,
Ooops! ... I did it again,
I played with your input, got lost in the game,
Oh baby, baby,
Ooops! ... You think I'm trusty,
That I'll censor your dossier,
I'm not that interested!
Lachdanan Jul 13th 2010 7:29AM
@(cutaia): I'm with you on that one. No offense to anyone, but I'm still laughing as I type this. xD
ELECTRO hyena Jul 13th 2010 7:48AM
@Zaros you can't recall an e-mail that's been relayed to most SMTP servers. For the most part, unless you're in a closed ecosystem (AOL mail to AOL mail, within an Exchange network) you can't unsend the message being sent.
Grovinofdarkhour Jul 13th 2010 10:33AM
/facebook
Oh, wait...
Iriya Jul 12th 2010 10:01PM
l2bcc, esrb.
Kylenne Jul 12th 2010 10:01PM
There's ALWAYS that one guy/lady in the office. ALWAYS.
Gulbrandt Jul 12th 2010 10:01PM
*golf clap*
Well played, ESRB. Well played indeed.
TJ Jul 12th 2010 10:01PM
Come on ESRB, this is email 101. :|
Viper007Bond Jul 12th 2010 10:01PM
Oh the irony.
prenden2 Jul 12th 2010 10:02PM
The epic scale of this colossal fail will certainly take a while to sink in.
doug Jul 12th 2010 10:02PM
This is clearly a conspiracy. Bobby Kotick PERSONALLY paid the ESRB money to expose these emails to take the heat off of Activision-Blizzard.
RIGHT?
RIIIIIGHT?
Hivetyrant Jul 12th 2010 10:02PM
I guess we know how they feel about the subject then :)
Noyou Jul 12th 2010 11:13PM
@Hivetyrant
my thoughts exactly. There's a term in baseball called the "unintentional, intentional walk". Who's to say they just didn't "slip" on purpose...I'm so cynical at times :(
Radioted Jul 12th 2010 10:02PM
Guh...
Rotties67 Jul 12th 2010 10:03PM
WTS email addresses to gold sellers/account hackers. Guaranteed majority play WoW. Possible B.Net accounts.
Any takers?