Microsoft has permanently deleted an Xbox player's account containing 25 years of data, including thousands of euros in digital game purchases, after the account was hacked. The incident has intensified concerns about the risks of digital-only gaming libraries, as companies like Sony and Microsoft push toward disc-less futures.
Account loss after hacking incident
Joshua Khane, a Microsoft user, went viral after sharing his experience on X, where his post received over 75,000 likes. Khane received an email from Microsoft Support stating that his Microsoft account, including all files stored on OneDrive, was 'no longer accessible' to prevent his 'personal data from falling into the wrong hands.' The email added: 'To prevent further misuse, we have permanently suspended this account. This action is irreversible and ensures that your data remains protected.'
Microsoft acknowledged that unauthorized access occurred following an investigation, but claimed they could not retrieve files due to 'encryption and privacy safeguards.' The company also refused to reimburse purchases, stating: 'If you used this account for Minecraft, we regret to inform you that the game cannot be recovered. A new purchase will be required on a newly created account.'
Khane's public outcry
Khane expressed his frustration on X: 'Microsoft deleted my account and OneDrive!? After acknowledging that I'm the owner of the account and that it was compromised? 25 f***ing years of data, thousands of euros spent on games? My son's baby pictures? Gone!' He clarified that his digital Xbox game library, dating back to '2009-ish,' was also lost.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of digital libraries. Similar cases have occurred, such as Sony recently removing all StudioCanal movies from the PlayStation Store due to expired licensing agreements, and an Xbox player in Brazil successfully suing Microsoft for locking him out of his digital library after a hack.
Implications for digital-only future
As Sony announced that all PlayStation games after 2027 will be digital-only, and Microsoft prepares for Project Helix, consumer protection advocates argue that companies must provide stronger safeguards. Cases like Khane's may lead to legal challenges in regions with robust consumer protection laws, but users in the US and other areas may lack recourse. Neither Sony nor Microsoft have yet offered reassurances about protecting digital libraries in compromised account scenarios.
