Changes in Microsoft Agreement and User Usage Agreement

[ellentonboy]

I know that previously it had been mentioned that changes were coming to what content we could post on hook sites and apps.  I just received an email from Microsoft and that changes were coming to all aspects, including the use of web cam sites.  This email, and actually one previously, said violations of these agreements could result in individuals no longer being allowed to use Microsoft products.  

I am taking this as a reference to Skype and possibly Zoom rooms.  Though they were not specifically mentioned, the email said any and all entities that belonged to them needed to abide by the standards and rules.

So does anyone know what this means for the future?  I have been an avid Skype user for years.  I noticed as time has gone by that the membership seems to have decreased, at least among gay men.   Less group conversations, less nudity, less sex.   Now when Google Plus went away, I assumed Zoom rooms would be a thing of the past.  I was, happily, mistaken.

I use MeWe, and at almost any time of day, I can find a room where men are having sex and using "enhancements".  Openly, usually with a moderator who is playing dance music.  No one is telling anyone what they can or cannot do.  Now in order to get invited into these rooms, you have to apply to various groups.  Their questionnaires often ask about your feelings on visible sex as well as the use of enhancements.  Once you apply, you receive a response back telling you that you are accepted, and then you receive invites into their Zoom rooms.  So the ability to get an invite into one of these Zoom rooms is relatively easy.  Apply to the group, they say yes you are welcome, and then you get invites.  Easy as that.

So my question to Breeding Zone members is this?  Will the email I received today from Microsoft have any effect on these MeWe invites that I have been enjoying?  Will they simply go away, just like Google Plus rooms went away?  

 Because I do enjoy using this form of entertainment I would greatly disappointed if the email I received today marks "the beginning of the end".  Has anyone else received one of these emails, and will it negatively impact MeWe and Zoom?  I know it will have an effect on Skype, which I basically now use to contact family members, not eight naked men at 2 am on a weekend.

Thoughts and feedback is greatly appreciated.

[toolman1966]

I didn't know about the MeWe groups....

[BergenGuy]

4 hours ago, ellentonboy said:

I am taking this as a reference to Skype and possibly Zoom rooms.  Though they were not specifically mentioned, the email said any and all entities that belonged to them needed to abide by the standards and rules.

Zoom is a publicly-traded company.  It doesn't belong to Microsoft.  Perhaps you were thinking of Teams?

[onlyraw]

And looking on Wikipedia it does not look like mewe is a Microsoft product either - so hopefully you are safe there- at least for now 

[ellentonboy]

11 hours ago, BergenGuy said:

Zoom is a publicly-traded company.  It doesn't belong to Microsoft.  Perhaps you were thinking of Teams?

Thanks for that, I am relieved.   Zoom was my concern, I am glad you informed me.  I feel a lot better, thanks!

[BannedWord]

On 6/28/2022 at 4:03 PM, ellentonboy said:

I know that previously it had been mentioned that changes were coming to what content we could post on hook sites and apps.  I just received an email from Microsoft and that changes were coming to all aspects, including the use of web cam sites.  This email, and actually one previously, said violations of these agreements could result in individuals no longer being allowed to use Microsoft products.  

I am taking this as a reference to Skype and possibly Zoom rooms.  Though they were not specifically mentioned, the email said any and all entities that belonged to them needed to abide by the standards and rules.

I guess the first question should be "what are those standards and rules"? What do they specifically spell out as a prohibited behavior or violation of the AUP (Acceptable Use Policy)?

On 6/28/2022 at 4:03 PM, ellentonboy said:

So my question to Breeding Zone members is this?  Will the email I received today from Microsoft have any effect on these MeWe invites that I have been enjoying?  Will they simply go away, just like Google Plus rooms went away?  

 Because I do enjoy using this form of entertainment I would greatly disappointed if the email I received today marks "the beginning of the end".  Has anyone else received one of these emails, and will it negatively impact MeWe and Zoom?  I know it will have an effect on Skype, which I basically now use to contact family members, not eight naked men at 2 am on a weekend.

G+ went away because perhaps 7 or 8 people actually used it toward the end (exaggerating, but you get the point). Its time had since passed, and it just cost more to maintain than its real worth to users. 

Eight naked men on a weekend video call sounds like a good bit to fun though. 🤣

[BannedWord]

OK, so I did some digging on this and provide the information without warranty or interpretation. Follow any legal guidance you may deem necessary for your protection.

For Skype, there are some items under General Provisions for the Broadcast Terms of Service. I've highlighted one section that stands out.

Quote

 

3.4 You will take care to observe and exercise reasonable diligence to ensure that the Programs, Broadcast, and/ or the Skype software will not: (i) be used as a medium for attack on any individual, organization, faith, denomination, or sect; (ii) contain any announcements or promotions prohibited by law; (iii) be used to make false or unwarranted claims for any product or service; (iv) contain any content or announcements that are slanderous, obscene, profane, indecent, vulgar, repulsive, or offensive, either in theme or in treatment; (v) contain any testimonials which cannot be authenticated; (vi) contain any descriptions or references to matters which are not considered acceptable topics of discussion in social groups (e.g., profanity, obscenity); or (vii) be used in connection with any advertising matter or announcement which may, in the opinion of Skype, be injurious or prejudicial to the interests of the public, Skype, or honest advertising and reputable business in general.

 

Making it a bit unclear as to whether a group chat of "eight naked men on a weekend video call" would cross the boundary of obscenity. Not trying to be alarmist but something to consider. Your mileage may vary.

[BootmanLA]

5 minutes ago, TheSRQDude said:

OK, so I did some digging on this and provide the information without warranty or interpretation. Follow any legal guidance you may deem necessary for your protection.

For Skype, there are some items under General Provisions for the Broadcast Terms of Service. I've highlighted one section that stands out.

Making it a bit unclear as to whether a group chat of "eight naked men on a weekend video call" would cross the boundary of obscenity. Not trying to be alarmist but something to consider. Your mileage may vary.

It's unlikely that eight naked men on a video call (weekend or otherwise) would pass the legal test for obscenity, given that porn containing similar groups of men exists freely.

However, it *could* be considered indecent, vulgar, repulsive, or offensive, which are terms that have no general legal definition and thus rely on generally accepted definitions.

That said, the company undoubtedly has the right to refuse to carry traffic on its network of which it disapproves. It could, in theory, decide eight (or six, or one) naked men/man was offensive and consider that a violation of its terms of service. Whether it would, in fact, do so - absent a complaint from someone on such a transmission - is unclear, but I rather doubt they're going to be monitoring random calls looking for naked men.

[BannedWord]

On 7/5/2022 at 5:47 PM, BootmanLA said:

It's unlikely that eight naked men on a video call (weekend or otherwise) would pass the legal test for obscenity, given that porn containing similar groups of men exists freely.

However, it *could* be considered indecent, vulgar, repulsive, or offensive, which are terms that have no general legal definition and thus rely on generally accepted definitions.

That said, the company undoubtedly has the right to refuse to carry traffic on its network of which it disapproves. It could, in theory, decide eight (or six, or one) naked men/man was offensive and consider that a violation of its terms of service. Whether it would, in fact, do so - absent a complaint from someone on such a transmission - is unclear, but I rather doubt they're going to be monitoring random calls looking for naked men.

I'd tend to agree, Bootman, unless there was some other behavior afoot or under investigation (say involving minors, etc.). Otherwise, you're right that it's pretty doubtful someone would be all that interested in 2 or more people of consenting age doing...well...that.

[ellentonboy]

I am surprised more posters did not receive this notice or think it may concern them.  I suppose they do not use or frequent sites where web cams are used.  Skype has been dead for awhile.  I knew that, it's great for a one on one connections AFTER I have met them on say a Zoom meeting thru MeWe, or other web cam sites.  Once I was informed Zoom does not fall under Microsoft  jurisdiction I was relieved that these fun "chat" rooms would continue without the fear of them being closed down.  I appreciate people looking into this because it came as a shock to me, just as when Google closed down the Google Plus rooms.  I mean I knew it was coming, but I was surprised Zoom stepped in and picked up the slack, and gave guys an alternative.  

Thanks to those who looked into this....

[BergenGuy]

5 hours ago, ellentonboy said:

I knew that, it's great for a one on one connections AFTER I have met them on say a Zoom meeting thru MeWe, or other web cam sites.

Looking at the MeWe site, I don't see any mention that they use Zoom.  It would seem more likely that they use their own video software.  

[ellentonboy]

20 hours ago, BergenGuy said:

Looking at the MeWe site, I don't see any mention that they use Zoom.  It would seem more likely that they use their own video software.  

With MeWe sites, Zoom is not so obvious until you are established.  There are various "groups", like different types of slammers from different parts of the world.  You need to apply for membership to be part of the group.  They ask maybe four silly questions, "do you enjoy sex on Tina", "do you like bareback sex", etc.  Once you are approved these groups have various meetings, all done on Zoom.  You get invitations daily.  So once you are approved, I must be part of 30 groups, you get daily invites to cam.  All of them are done on Zoom.  It is not exactly evident at first, but the majority of those meetings are done on Zoom.  Very well done, with a moderator and usually some great dance music.

 

[hntnhole]

Does all of this mean no guys fucking each other?  Everything is through the ether?  No actual Breeding going on, in-the-flesh?