Causing recent controversy is a new “feature” coming in Minecraft Java Edition 1.19.1. One which allows players to report messages on any server including those which are privately owned. After broken promises of not changing Java Edition and lies about the account migration being only for security, are players right to be concerned?
Minecraft 1.19.1 Global Chat Reports Explained
Player reports will allow java edition users to report messages sent on any java edition server. Mojang has stated in a blog, “All player reports will be reviewed by an investigator” and “we are not using chat moderation bots,” but we can only wait and see if those statements hold true.
Mojang goes on to state the types of messages that will result in the ban are “hate speech, bullying, harassment, sexual solicitation, or making true threats to others.” Hate speech being defined as “talk that is intended to insult, intimidate, or threaten an individual or group based on a trait or attribute of their identity, such as sexual orientation, religion, color, gender, or disability.”
If banned by the chat report feature, access to ALL servers, including those which are privately owned, is prohibited for the duration. Appeals can be sent here.
Why Are Players Concerned?
In the account migration FAQ, players were reassured that migrating would result in no changes to Java Edition. In fact, they even state, “Minecraft: Java Edition will stay exactly the same.” However, the migration has now been used to implement the chat report feature, which was previously only in Bedrock Edition.
That aside, many players see this as a vast overstep. Specifically, their policing of what can and can’t be said on privately owned servers. Others question the legitimacy of investigators handling every chat report and worry about automated systems being abused.
Finally, there are those worried about what this means for the future. Player reports were once a Bedrock Edition exclusive feature. If Mojang was willing to implement that despite community backlash, what more would be on its way?
How Disable Player Reports
Unfortunately, it is impossible to opt-out of player reports through legitimate means. However, some third-party ways exist for both servers and clients alike. The most popular example being the “No Chat Reports” mod.
We recommend checking out our guide here for instructions on installing this mod.
Until Next Time,
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