Activision Implementing Real-Time Voice Chat Moderation In Call Of Duty To Combat Toxicity

Toxicity is now illegal in Call of Duty.

Activision is intensifying its efforts to combat toxic and disruptive behavior within their shooter games by implementing real-time voice chat moderation. Starting with the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III on November 10, the game will utilize AI-powered voice chat moderation technology called ToxMod, which is developed by Modulate. This technology aims to detect and address toxic speech, including hate speech, discriminatory language, and harassment. These measures encompass text-based filtering across multiple languages, as well as an in-game player reporting system.

The new voice chat moderation system will be introduced through an initial beta rollout in North America on August 30 within Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone. Since the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, the existing anti-toxicity moderation has already taken action against over 1 million accounts that breached the game's Code of Conduct, according to Call of Duty's anti-toxicity team.

Additionally, data from Activision shows that 20% of players who received a first warning did not engage in further violations. Repeat offenders faced account penalties, such as voice and text chat bans, as well as temporary account restrictions.

Note: Activision Blizzard has been sued by California’s Civil Rights Department, alleging violations of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and Equal Pay Act. CEO Bobby Kotick is alleged to have known about the alleged violations within his company. These allegations have all been denied by Activision Blizzard and the company points to additional diversity and inclusion training as past examples of taking the accusations seriously at the time they were made.