Is Sharing Accounts Ethical? Fair? - Mohammed Maher

In an interview that Daddy conducted with the #1 player in the world - Mohammed Maher stated that the top players have other people who use their accounts while they themselves are unable to stay online. These "helpers" are sometimes in different time zones so both people can actively manage the account.

The reasons for this could be:

They need sleep
They have to work
They are on vacation
They are busy watching Dr. Phil
etc...

To a mortal player like myself who hopes to increase thru the ranks by putting in the hard work, this seems a bit like...c h e a t i n g

Supercell says you cannot sell your account, but why does it allow practices such as those described by Mohammed Maher? (Who states he's not the only one)

*Prepares for bashing*

Clash On!

In many other games, U will find players hiring others to play for them
or referred as outsourcing their accounts. Is that fair?? Yet it happens.

Multiple users on a single account is common scene in any competitive online games.
Of coz this does not benefits others who 'play hard' by themselves.

The point is CoC is not an isolated case.
Should he banned for it jus becoz he confessed about it? I dont think he should.

I share accounts with a firend on other games. I dont think its unfair

Well if the rules state no account sharing then yes it is a problem and users that do should be dealt with. Does SuperCell allow it on COC? I don't know as I can't be bothered to read the rules.

Yeah its unfair, no way to stop it though. So your choices are 1) find a helper for your account OR 2) forget about ever becoming a top ranking player.

I personally opted for number 2 many months ago, let the MM's have it and I'll just happily farm with the players like myself who don't really take the game that seriously.

It's fair as long as they are not using it to c h e a t

As a clasher I dont think its the way to play the game but each to their own, if you are happy to share go for it.

As a Clan leader I am dead against it. We've already had a couple of members whose accounts had been shared with friends etc...and it caused not only a lot of confusion but a few misunderstandings as well. Thus practice is now highly frowned upon at CastingShadows.

Mind you we are not operating at Champ level, so maybe up there it is a necessity idk...but generally I think its super-lame having 'helpers' .

He also admitted that is not even HIS account, it was given to him from a friend. So?

I'm quite certain that it is against the ToS to share accounts, So if you want to speak technically. Mohammed Maher should be banned purely on the fact that he admitted to account sharing. Will supercell ban him? No.

Just to clarify account sharing is within the rules not breaking them, it's good that we are having a sensible discussion about the ethics - but it's not breaching the TOS, the video was watched by SC before they put it onto their Facebook page.

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Originally Posted by Solarous

I'm quite certain that it is against the ToS to share accounts, So if you want to speak technically. Mohammed Maher should be banned purely on the fact that he admitted to account sharing. Will supercell ban him? No.

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Supercell Terms of Service:


During the Account creation process, you will be required to select a password (“Login Information”). You shall not share the Account or the Login Information, nor let anyone else access your account or do anything else that might jeopardize the security of your Account. In the event you become aware of or reasonably suspect any breach of security, including without limitation any loss, theft, or unauthorized disclosure of the Login Information, you must immediately notify Supercell and modify your Login Information. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the Login Information, and you will be responsible for all uses of the Login Information, including purchases, whether or not authorized by you. You are responsible for anything that happens through your Account.

Supercell reserves the right to remove or reclaim any usernames at any time and for any reason, including but not limited to claims by a third party that a username violates the third party’s rights.

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Originally Posted by Daddy

Just to clarify account sharing is within the rules not breaking them, it's good that we are having a sensible discussion about the ethics - but it's not breaching the TOS, the video was watched by SC before they put it onto their Facebook page.

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Well SC needs to revise its ToS then because they most definitely prohibit sharing login credentials and account sharing.

Don't get me wrong here...

My intention is not to pick on a particular player, but the practice in general.

I believe you would see a totally different list of players at the top if this practice was stopped. Although, I have no idea how it could be stopped even if they wished to do so.

I'm not going to throw around words like unethical and immoral. There is really no standards for that on games and the internet. However, I do think most people look down upon account sharing. It's basically rating boosting which I do think is unethical. Oops, I did use that word.

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Originally Posted by ZTmax3k

Supercell Terms of Service:


During the Account creation process, you will be required to select a password (“Login Information”). You shall not share the Account or the Login Information, nor let anyone else access your account or do anything else that might jeopardize the security of your Account. In the event you become aware of or reasonably suspect any breach of security, including without limitation any loss, theft, or unauthorized disclosure of the Login Information, you must immediately notify Supercell and modify your Login Information. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the Login Information, and you will be responsible for all uses of the Login Information, including purchases, whether or not authorized by you. You are responsible for anything that happens through your Account.

Supercell reserves the right to remove or reclaim any usernames at any time and for any reason, including but not limited to claims by a third party that a username violates the third party’s rights.

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The key to your statement that you've set in bold is the section "that might jeopardize the security of your Account". This section is simply covering SC in the case that someone loses their account due to the fact that they shared their account and ensures it isn't SC's fault that it happened since you willingly shared the information.

This thread is starting to resemble naming and shaming. Esp. When accusing people of "c he a t i n g".

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Originally Posted by LordRadwan

The key to your statement that you've set in bold is the section "that might jeopardize the security of your Account". This section is simply covering SC in the case that someone loses their account due to the fact that they shared their account and ensures it isn't SC's fault that it happened since you willingly shared the information.

This thread is starting to resemble naming and shaming. Esp. When accusing people of "c he a t i n g".

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There is an "or" in there.

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Originally Posted by ZTmax3k

Supercell Terms of Service:


During the Account creation process, you will be required to select a password (“Login Information”). You shall not share the Account or the Login Information, nor let anyone else access your account or do anything else that might jeopardize the security of your Account. In the event you become aware of or reasonably suspect any breach of security, including without limitation any loss, theft, or unauthorized disclosure of the Login Information, you must immediately notify Supercell and modify your Login Information. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the Login Information, and you will be responsible for all uses of the Login Information, including purchases, whether or not authorized by you. You are responsible for anything that happens through your Account.

Supercell reserves the right to remove or reclaim any usernames at any time and for any reason, including but not limited to claims by a third party that a username violates the third party’s rights.

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Isn't that the forum rules? Clash doesn't have login info. It's just sharing of the game center.

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Originally Posted by dahimi

There is an "or" in there.

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The or still pertains to anything that might jeopardize the security of your game.
For instance posting your password somewhere unknowingly.

This is a section about reinforcing security for the village owner, not the Ten Commandments.

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Originally Posted by Woski

Isn't that the forum rules? Clash doesn't have login info. It's just sharing of the game center.

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Touché.

Bottom line, money talks. A well known youtuber, we'll just call him "chief", has a ton of different accounts he uses for his videos. That is a violation of the ToS as well. I think the ToS should either be changed to allow everyone to make multiple accounts, or they should be enforced completely. Selectively choosing when to enforce rules depending on the player is never a good idea.

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Originally Posted by Riv

Bottom line, money talks. A well known youtuber, we'll just call him "chief", has a ton of different accounts he uses for his videos. That is a violation of the ToS as well. I think the ToS should either be changed to allow everyone to make multiple accounts, or they should be enforced completely. Selectively choosing when to enforce rules depending on the player is never a good idea.

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To be fair, the vast majority of forumers (forumites?) have admitted to having alts/minis (often in their signatures), people that don't spend money on gems. I've yet to see anyone have that rule enforced.

Hahaha, I think it's hilarious that so many people, mods included, are saying that this is within the boundaries of fair play. Then there are those that are saying it is all part of the strategy! It is absolutely blowing my mind that people are fully admitting to clearly breaking the rules of the game and yet it all comes down to being an allowed strategy. Truly sad.

At the end of the day it will never directly effect me as I never have plans to head to Champ league, but the blase attitude that people are taking is shocking. Why are people standing up for and justifying this playing behaviour? Especially mods and SC themselves?

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Originally Posted by LordRadwan

The or still pertains to anything that might jeopardize the security of your game.
For instance posting your password somewhere unknowingly.

This is a section about reinforcing security for the village owner, not the Ten Commandments.

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ToS is like the 10 commandments in that it describes a list of prohibited behaviors. What it is not is advice on maintaining account security.

It's very clear. 1 account per person. 1 person per account. Obviously SC doesn't really enforce these conditions of the ToS though and they make them very broad.

For example selling your account is covered by the same conditions and they do mind that.

Sharing accounts for some people may seem unethical & unfair but they are not stated in the rules so it is not c he a t i n g

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Originally Posted by Swaggermonkey

Sharing accounts for some people may seem unethical & unfair but they are not stated in the rules so it is not c he a t i n g

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Did you even read the thread?

Let’s face it guys you can argue all you like, but this practise goes against the spirit of the game. The game is about building a great defence and attacking others to get rewards. If you’re doing something that prevents others from attacking you, you are cutting off half the game.

That to me makes you a loser, because you can’t play the game as it was intended. You’re not enjoying the game anymore; you’re enjoying the position of being on top of the leader boards. Well congrats to you, the fact that you had to use other people to help you or you had to use some tool doesn’t make you better than anyone else. It just make you a fool pretending to be better than you.

Enjoy your position, but I think you’re just a foolish group of people pretending to be better than you are.

I enjoy the game as is, I attack and get attacked. It's ALL part of the fun.

I think realistically this is un-enforcable, especially if I were to give my gc details to a friend and that friend signs in as me... how would you even begin to combat that? I don't do this myself but I know ppl who have. And frankly there are perfectly valid reasons for potentially doing so imo.

Doing this as a permanent game strategy is naff tho.

It's a rubbish practice and it's not exactly ' fair play' but then again this ain't the Olympic Games its a tablet game...get over it, some ppl will always find a way to ♥♥♥♥♥...

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Originally Posted by fette

I think realistically this is un-enforcable, especially if I were to give my gc details to a friend and that friend signs in as me... how would you even begin to combat that? I don't do this myself but I know ppl who have. And frankly there are perfectly valid reasons for potentially doing so imo.

Doing this as a permanent game strategy is naff tho.

It's a rubbish practice and it's not exactly ' fair play' but then again this ain't the Olympic Games its a tablet game...get over it, some ppl will always find a way to ♥♥♥♥♥...

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When you admit in a video that you engage in account sharing, it's rather easy to detect and enforce don't you think?

The TOS is a very long legal document to prevent Supercell from being sued. It covers everything their well paid legal department can come up with to prevent monetary liability. They can decide how to enforce said rules.

For example. The TOS clearly ban the use of supercell products by anyone under the age of 13. Even sharing access to someone under that age is rights to ban. Judging by English global alone, we can know this is not enforced.

To be fair people who say it's wrong. Philosophically speaking a rule isn't a rule, if theres exceptions to the rule. So it isn't actually a rule because they don't care.

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Originally Posted by Woski

The TOS is a very long legal document to prevent Supercell from being sued. It covers everything their well paid legal department can come up with to prevent monetary liability. They can decide how to enforce said rules.

For example. The TOS clearly ban the use of supercell products by anyone under the age of 13. Even sharing access to someone under that age is rights to ban. Judging by English global alone, we can know this is not enforced.

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Yup its impossible to enforce.. Like Facebook most of people under age couldn't give a toss.

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Originally Posted by Woski

The TOS is a very long legal document to prevent Supercell from being sued. It covers everything their well paid legal department can come up with to prevent monetary liability. They can decide how to enforce said rules.

For example. The TOS clearly ban the use of supercell products by anyone under the age of 13. Even sharing access to someone under that age is rights to ban. Judging by English global alone, we can know this is not enforced.

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This kind of goes without saying.

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Originally Posted by TheDevilsLuck

To be fair people who say it's wrong. Philosophically speaking a rule isn't a rule, if theres exceptions to the rule. So it isn't actually a rule because they don't care.

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If it isn't a rule, why print it in a list of rules? I don't really care what the top players do for the most part. However, it'd be nice for SC to provide an actual official list of things you may and may not do. The ToS is supposed to be that list, but it apparently is not.

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Originally Posted by dahimi

ToS is like the 10 commandments in that it describes a list of prohibited behaviors. What it is not is advice on maintaining account security.

It's very clear. 1 account per person. 1 person per account. Obviously SC doesn't really enforce these conditions of the ToS though and they make them very broad.

For example selling your account is covered by the same conditions and they do mind that.

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Again, go read the TOS, this section is clearly expressing Account Security.
If you need the link it's here: http://supercell.net/terms-of-service/

The next section concerning Limitations goes into exploits, and the Ten Commandments.

*throws papers in the air* I'm out.

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Originally Posted by LordRadwan

Again, go read the TOS, this section is clearly expressing Account Security.
If you need the link it's here: http://supercell.net/terms-of-service/

The next section concerning Limitations goes into exploits, and the Ten Commandments.

*throws papers in the air* I'm out.

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It even says it in 10 commandments language.

You shall not...

It does not say should not.

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Originally Posted by dahimi

When you admit in a video that you engage in account sharing, it's rather easy to detect and enforce don't you think?

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Lol yeah well I suppose so.

But as a general practice its un-enforcable...none of the people I know of who have done this are 'famous' or have openly admitted to it...so apart from the top crop of players whom we know/suspect are sharing, there is a huge underbelly of casual sharers whom you would never be able to track down imo.

I'm not sure what is being accomplished here. It is impossible to argue that it is against the TOS. They prohibit multiple accounts in clear legal terms. The only arguable issues here are the ethics if multiple accounts and supercell's enforcement of the rule.
Supercell reserves the right to enforce their terms of service as they see for with or without our best interest in heart. Please don't forget that.

What it does get to is if Clayton or whoever else steals and drops MM to farm at sub-200, SC isn't liable.

I hit edit and it posted a new reply. Strange.

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Originally Posted by fette

Lol yeah well I suppose so.

But as a general practice its un-enforcable...none of the people I know of who have done this are 'famous' or have openly admitted to it...so apart from the top crop of players whom we know/suspect are sharing, there is a huge underbelly of casual sharers whom you would never be able to track down imo.

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Correct but those players don't affect the game in any meaningful way. Like it or not, being at the top invites much more scrutiny.

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Originally Posted by dahimi

If it isn't a rule, why print it in a list of rules? I don't really care what the top players do for the most part. However, it'd be nice for SC to provide an actual official list of things you may and may not do. The ToS is supposed to be that list, but it apparently is not.

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Like I said; it's philosophy. Writing it down doesn't make it a rule; only enforcement does that. It's the tree falling in the woods making a sound argument. If a clan has a rule not to curse, but people still do it without punishment. It's not a rule at that point just a guideline that doesn't matter.

Thou shall not steal!!! If a hungry man takes bread to feed his family will god look down on him?? No. Its basic guidelines to be followed. Nothing is set in stone.

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Originally Posted by LordRadwan

What at does get to is if Clayton or whoever else steals and drops MM to farm at sub-200, SC isn't liable.

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It says that too yes. However it also you shall not share credentials. That is very clear unambiguous language telling you, you may not do something.

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Originally Posted by dahimi

It even says it in 10 commandments language.

You shall not...

It does not say should not.

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Fair point. I submit. ;D

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Originally Posted by TDOGG0187

Thou shall not steal!!! If a hungry man takes bread to feed his family will god look down on him?? No. Its basic guidelines to be followed. Nothing is set in stone.

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I think it's silly to presume to know the mind of God if you believe in that sort of thing. The law, created my man, however will look down in you.

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Originally Posted by dahimi

It says that too yes. However it also you shall not share credentials. That is very clear unambiguous language telling you, you may not do something.

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It's not a rule; it's advice. There is a difference.

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Originally Posted by dahimi

ToS is like the 10 commandments in that it describes a list of prohibited behaviors. What it is not is advice on maintaining account security.

It's very clear. 1 account per person. 1 person per account. Obviously SC doesn't really enforce these conditions of the ToS though and they make them very broad.

For example selling your account is covered by the same conditions and they do mind that.

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You were the one to bring this preposterous analogy into the arguement.

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Originally Posted by TheDevilsLuck

Like I said; it's philosophy. Writing it down doesn't make it a rule; only enforcement does that. It's the tree falling in the woods making a sound argument. If a clan has a rule not to curse, but people still do it without punishment. It's not a rule at that point just a guideline that doesn't matter.

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Philosophy? The ToS is supposed to be a legally binding document that governs your use of the service. It's a contract

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Originally Posted by TDOGG0187

You were the one to bring this preposterous analogy into the arguement.

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So you're trying to tell me the ToS and the 10 commandments do not contain lists of things you shall not do?

BTW i didn't mention them first.

So you are comparing god to supercell? I cant argue with you... Im done.

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Originally Posted by TDOGG0187

So you are comparing god to supercell? I cant argue with you... Im done.

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I wasn't, but I could. As far coc is concerned, they are one and the same.

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Originally Posted by dahimi

Philosophy? The ToS is supposed to be a legally binding document that governs your use of the service. It's a contract

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I've never read the ToS, but I'd bet it says Supercell has the right to bend any "rule" they want. So if it isn't enforced then it isn't real. Just because it says it, doesn't mean they are obligated to enforce anything. They don't have to follow their rules.

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Originally Posted by dahimi

Correct but those players don't affect the game in any meaningful way. Like it or not, being at the top invites much more scrutiny.

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Fair point. Considering the way the entire CoC community is collectively staring at Mohamed right now I'm actually kinda glad I'm just a lowly farmer no-one's ever heard of.

Ok so SC should kick out MM and anyone else that admits to breaking the TOS, sounds fair to me. I seem to remember a mod or two posting that they had second accounts a couple of months back, kick them too?

The rules are being openly broken and nothing will be done. Why, because its really not worth the trouble for SC to do so IMO.

Thank you all for your input. If Supercell deems it fair, so be it. Maybe they will respond..maybe not.

Either way, Clash On!

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Originally Posted by Daddy

Just to clarify account sharing is within the rules not breaking them, it's good that we are having a sensible discussion about the ethics - but it's not breaching the TOS, the video was watched by SC before they put it onto their Facebook page.

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From License Agreement directly from Clash of Clans app page in iTunes:

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You shall not share the Account..., nor let anyone else access your account...

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Account sharing is clearly stated and is definitely not 'within the rules and not breaking them'.

What are supposed to be the consequences of account sharing?

From the same document:

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SUPERCELL MAY LIMIT, SUSPEND, TERMINATE, MODIFY, OR DELETE ACCOUNTS OR ACCESS TO SUPERCELL SERVICES... IF YOU ARE, OR SUPERCELL SUSPECTS THAT YOU ARE, FAILING TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THESE TERMS OF SERVICE

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Fair or ethical or otherwise, the decision has already been made by SuperCell that this kind of behavior is prohibited.

So I'm confused how it can be so clearly stated that account sharing is not only 'not breaking' the rules, but would go so far as to say 'within the rules'.

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Originally Posted by TheDevilsLuck

I've never read the ToS, but I'd bet it says Supercell has the right to bend any "rule" they want. So if it isn't enforced then it isn't real. Just because it says it, doesn't mean they are obligated to enforce anything. They don't have to follow their rules.

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This argument is orthogonal to mine it's also obvious. In fact i said earlier they need to modify the ToS to accurately reflect their current stance.

Stop the bickering. Supercell clearly says they have the right to enforce the TOS as they see fit. Who cares if its against the TOS. Supercell can do as they please.

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Originally Posted by dahimi

This argument is orthogonal to mine it's also obvious. In fact i said earlier they need to modify the ToS to accurately reflect their current stance.

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I don't think they can. I assume there is some legal liability issue that requires them to ban multiple accounts. People seem to forget that the TOS are not for the betterment of the game. They are purely to prevent a company, in this case supercell, from being sued.

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Originally Posted by Woski

Stop the bickering. Supercell clearly says they have the right to enforce the TOS as they see fit. Who cares if its against the TOS. Supercell can do as they please.

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Honestly if any of you are above 3,200 and are complaining, who cares. Getting 3,200 let alone 4,500 is insane. It dictates your life. It runs your life. It becomes your life. I don't blame anyone for bending the rules if they can. SC just needs to find a way to make it more enjoyable instead of it dictating your life. SC obviously doesn't play the game in champion league.

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Originally Posted by Woski

I don't think they can. I assume there is some legal liability issue that requires them to ban multiple accounts. People seem to forget that the TOS are not for the betterment of the game. They are purely to prevent a company, in this case supercell, from being sued.

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They absolutely can. There are other sections that govern litigation and what not.

I don't think anyone has forgotten what the ToS is for.

Clearly I was mistaken in my comment earlier but hey i don't make the rules (which is probably not a bad thing!).

I'm not sure what this is going to accomplish and as the thread names a player i'm wrapping this up,

Sorry.