Microsoft"s Xbox Live online service for its Xbox 360 console lets its users download content like full games, movies, TV shows and more. But it looks like some of its users have tried to get some of that content illegally. As first reported by Eurogamer, Microsoft recently posted up a message on the official Xbox.com message boards informing Xbox Live users that some of its customers have been banned from using the service for such activity.
The message board post from Microsoft states that during " ... a recent investigation, we have discovered users who illegitimately accessed Xbox LIVE Marketplace downloadable content. Our investigation reveals that this access was intentional and not accidental, constituting a blatant violation of the Terms of Use for the service." Microsoft did not go into details about how many people were involved nor the types of content they had taken from the Xbox Live Marketplace. It added, "Please know that we are being very careful regarding these suspensions, and have clear evidence regarding each account issued a permanent suspension from the service. We apologize for any frustration or confusion resulting from our inability to share individual details, and thank you all for your cooperation in this matter."
Eurogamer.net reports that some Xbox Live uses have posted up messages on the Xbox.com forums that claim they are innocent of the allegations made against them by Microsoft. They also confirm that they have been banned from using Xbox Live until December 31, 9999 (no, that"s not a typo). Microsoft did not go into any details on how these Xbox Live users illegally downloaded the content.