Xbox Enhances Safety with Transparency Report Ahead of Safer Internet Day

On February 4, 2026, Xbox announced new initiatives and tools aimed at enhancing player safety ahead of Safer Internet Day. The company, under the leadership of Vice President of Gaming Trust & Safety, Kim Kunes, reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to creating a secure and positive gaming environment. As part of these efforts, Xbox released its latest Transparency Report, showcasing advancements in safety measures and resources available for players, parents, and caregivers.

As Xbox marks its 25th anniversary, the company continues to prioritize the safety of its community. Since the launch of the Xbox 360 in 2005, Xbox has aimed to create gaming experiences that incorporate safety, privacy, and security. The latest initiatives are guided by five core principles, which consider feedback from players and parents while addressing the evolving nature of online risks.

Shaping Industry Standards for Safer Gaming

Xbox’s approach to safety includes several key initiatives designed to protect younger players and foster a secure gaming community. The introduction of age verification in the UK, with plans for expansion to additional regions, is a significant step in ensuring children have access only to appropriate content. This age verification process helps restrict interactions on the platform, enhancing safety for young gamers.

Specialized accounts for children and teenagers allow for tailored experiences that consider their unique needs. The Xbox Family Settings app provides essential tools for parents, enabling them to manage gaming experiences directly from mobile devices. Features like “Ask A Parent” empower children to seek approval for activities, promoting healthy interactions in the gaming space.

Furthermore, Xbox is committed to leveraging technology to combat harmful behavior. The integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools, supported by human moderators, enhances the detection and management of online threats. This combination allows for rapid identification of potential issues, ensuring a timely response to any harmful activities.

Insights from the 2026 Xbox Transparency Report

The newly published 2026 Xbox Transparency Report highlights the effectiveness of these safety measures. The report reveals a notable **90% reduction** in spam message complaints compared to 2024, alongside a **23% decrease** in complaints related to messages from non-friends. This progress demonstrates Xbox’s proactive moderation approach, which aims to prevent unsolicited content from reaching players.

Additionally, Xbox is enhancing its reporting capabilities, as seen with the recent updates in Forza Horizon 5. Players can now report cheating and unsportsmanlike conduct more efficiently, facilitating a smoother gaming experience. The report emphasizes ongoing efforts to improve safety processes across all teams at Xbox.

On February 10, 2026, in conjunction with Safer Internet Day, Minecraft will launch a new educational experience titled CyberSafe: Bad Connection? This initiative is part of the CyberSafe series and aims to equip young players with essential online safety skills through engaging gameplay. Players will learn to recognize risks, report suspicious activities, and foster a safer community.

The CyberSafe series has already reached over **80 million downloads** since its inception, reflecting its impact on educating players about online safety. The new content will be available for free in the Minecraft Marketplace and will include resources for parents and educators to support discussions about digital citizenship.

Xbox’s commitment to player safety is an ongoing journey, with no one-size-fits-all solution. The company continues to collaborate with industry leaders, including Nintendo and Sony Interactive Entertainment, to develop comprehensive online safety principles. These efforts include insights from the Global Online Safety Survey, which will be published on the Microsoft On the Issues blog on February 10, 2026.

As Xbox looks to the future, its dedication to transparency and player safety remains steadfast. For comprehensive information on online safety and responsible gaming, resources are available on the Microsoft website, including the Microsoft Online Safety Guides and Digital Safety for Young People.