While there are Microsoft customers that indulge in the illegal use of pirated software without so much as slap on the hand from the company, others are less fortunate. Larry Hryb, Microsoft’s director of programming for Xbox Live, has confirmed officially that it is actively banning Xbox 360 owners that have modified their consoles in order to accommodate pirated games from Xbox LIVE.

In addition, Microsoft is cracking down on modded Xbox 360 consoles, although it is permitting users to run bootlegged copies of Windows, even providing Critical security updates for releases of the operating system that have been labeled as pirated by the Windows Genuine Advantage mechanism. The Redmond company indicated that it would not stand for consoles to be modified in order for their owners to play pirated games (an operation dubbed modding) and that it would tackle the phenomenon by banning the devices from the Xbox LIVE community.

“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,” Hryb explained.

One segment of Xbox 360 customers can in this regard, be affected by Microsoft’s bans even though they had nothing to do with the actual modding of a console. Customers that purchase second hand Xbox 360 consoles previously banned for modding will not be able to take advantage of what Xbox LIVE has to offer.

“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,” Hryb added.