Nintendo is investigating Foxconn child labour claims

Nintendo has announced in the wake of the Foxconn child labour reports – and the company's admission – that it was investigating what happened and how much truth there really is behind the story.

As a quick catch up, Foxconn admitted yesterday to taking part in the illegal hiring of children as young as 14 to work unpaid internships that would give them school credit. While the kids were technically able to leave any time they want, if they didn't complete the sometimes 12 hour plus overtime shifts, they were threatened with expulsion from their schools.

Nintendo's announcement about its investigation was short and to the point: “Nintendo is in communication with Foxconn and is investigating the matter. We take our responsibilities as a global company very seriously and are committed to an ethical policy on sourcing, manufacture and labour.”

“If we were to find that any of our production partners did not meet our guidelines, we would require them to modify their practices according to Nintendo's policy,” it continued (via IGN).

Foxconn has been in a lot of trouble for worker conditions and labour violations in the past. There was a spate of suicides just last year and deaths in facilities manufacturing Apple products, because the fabrication plants lacked basic safety features like decent extractors.

KitGuru Says: But despite all this, Foxconn is still getting work. We're all aware that China isn't big on human rights, but it's surprising that so many firms keep using its facilities. While the cost per product might end up cheaper, is the bad press by association really worth it?

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