Xbox Changes Might Have Reset Your Privacy Settings Without You Knowing, Here’s How To Check

Xbox

A recent discovery by an Xbox user has many gamers feeling a bit uneasy. Reddit user “nadiaface” received an odd message from a friend saying that their last name was displaying right next to their GamerTag. In their post, they said, “I thought it was weird because I have my settings to block from showing my real name. I also Figured it was because i have symbols instead of my name and maybe Microsoft removed those?”

Well, it doesn’t appear that this was a one-time mixup with a single Xbox player, as it has happened to a myriad of users. Going through their friend list, nadiaface noticed that “Everyone’s Name is showing. Big streamers, friends, recent players.” Not only is this an invasion of privacy, but it’s also a breach in security. When players select a particular option in their settings, they expect that to go unchanged until they decide otherwise. According to a post on ResetEra, it isn’t solely Insider Alpha participants that have been affected by this.

Thankfully, there is a way to check if you have been possibly doxxed by Microsoft. First, you’ll want to go to this link to review your privacy settings. Upon logging in, a list of privacy options will appear. Scroll down to about halfway through the page and find the “Share my real name (Xbox One Only)” setting. Here’s what that looks like (Full disclosure – these are my personal settings and it doesn’t look like I was affected):

Many people on the Reddit and ResetEra threads linked above are calling this an act of “doxxing,” which would be true because Microsoft is releasing the personal information of users without their permission. Whether this was part of a recent update or not remains to be seen, but we can expect the Xbox team to address the issue soon. We’ll keep you updated on any word coming out of Microsoft.

In the meantime, be sure to check your privacy settings via the steps above to ensure your personal info has not been released. Keep it tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers as this story develops, and for other gaming news going on right now, check out the following:

What say you, gamers? Is this clearly a violation on Microsoft’s part? Have you been affected by the breach of privacy? Sound off in the comments section below, and be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7!

Eric Garrett2269 Posts

Eric is an editor and writer for Don't Feed the Gamers. When he is not staring at a computer screen filled with text, he is usually staring at a computer screen filled with controllable animations. Today's youth call this gaming. He also likes to shoot things. With a camera, of course.

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