It looks like Microsoft is banning users again today. All consumers should know that piracy is illegal, and that modifying their Xbox 360 console to play pirated discs, violates the Xbox LIVE terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox LIVE..

As you may have read online, we've been actively banning consoles from Xbox LIVE that have been modified to play pirated games. Our commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of our Xbox LIVE community remains a top priority. All consumers should know that piracy is illegal, and that modifying their Xbox 360 console to play pirated discs, violates the Xbox LIVE terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox LIVE. The health of the video game business depends on customers paying for the genuine products and services they receive from manufacturers, retailers, and the third parties that support them. This would also be a good time to remind you that the warranty on an Xbox 360 console is not transferrable and if you purchase a used console that has been previously banned, you will not be able to connect to Xbox LIVE.

Consoles can be suspended from Xbox LIVE for a number of reasons including, but not limited to:

• Console tampering: Physically opening the Xbox and modifying it to play illegitimate software.
  
  
• Online fraud: Attempting to social engineer users, take over Xbox LIVE accounts, or other fraudulent activities.
  
  
• Repeat egregious violations: Multiple actions taken on accounts on the console by the Enforcement team for disrupting the service or impacting users.

Frequenty Asked Questions

I have not committed any fraud, I’ve never had action taken against me by the enforcement team, and I know for a fact I have not modified my console. Can you undo my suspension?

The investigations and subsequent actions taken by the Xbox LIVE enforcement team are conservative in nature. We work very hard to try to fully understand that a console has been modified by looking at a variety of information. Sometimes it’s possible that a previous owner or another user may have performed unauthorized modifications to the console. It is also possible that the purchaser of a used Xbox 360 was not aware the console was modified. In either case we cannot undo the console suspension. We recommend customers who believe they have not modified their Xbox themselves (or committed other actions on the service to warrant suspension) to contact previous owners or users of the console.

How do you detect modified consoles?

There are many factors that lead to the suspension of a console and we do not publicly disclose any of those details.

My console has been suspended. Does that mean my Xbox LIVE account will be suspended as well?

Suspensions for both consoles and accounts are determined by looking at a number of factors. While some Xbox LIVE account suspensions may be issued alongside console suspensions, they are not issued with every single suspension. To avoid having your account suspended from the service, please follow the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and Code of Conduct.

If a console is suspended, what happens to the warranty?

If a console has been modified or tampered with, the warranty is void and the console is ineligible for an authorized repair, even for a fee. Please refer to the Xbox 360 console Warranty on xbox.com

Can I still be banned if I purchased a modified console second-hand?

Yes. The warranty on a second hand console is void, and the purchaser assumes the risk for any previous modifications. If you purchase a console that has been previously suspended you will not be able to connect to Xbox LIVE.

News-Source: majornelson.com
360-Hq Forum Thread: Xbox Live Bannings!"