Microsoft has reversed a software mistake that caused some Xbox Live users to be banned in error.
Speaking to Joystiq, Stephen Toulouse, Xbox Live's Director of Policy and Enforcement, explained that his team reversed the bans as soon as they realized their mistake.
"In this case, it was one of those very, very rare circumstances where we were using software on the Xbox 360 to assist [in policy enforcement]," Toulouse explained. "An issue came up that we felt the right thing to do after we determined some [consoles] weren't tampered with was to undo the suspension."
According to Toulouse, customers who were affected don't need to take any action. The bans will be reversed automatically.
"We know exactly who was impacted," he said. "This is a tiny fraction of the overall user base. This is not some widespread problem. If your console was suspended between the dates, the quickest way to find out if you were impacted by the software issue is to simply reconnect your console. If you can log in, you were impacted by the issue and we've unsuspended the console."
Those who were mistakenly banned will receive three free months of Xbox Live and 1600 Microsoft Points ($20).
As for the software that caused the mistake, Toulouse says it will be no longer be used by the company.
"That is something we can do," he said. "We will discontinue the use of that particular technology."
[source ign.com]