The U.N. relied on "outdated research" when one of its working groups recently implied that playing video games leads to violent behavior, according to the Entertainment Software Association.

The report commissioned by U.N. Broadband Commission for Digital Development—"Cyber Violence Against Women and Girls"—is primarily concerned about harassment women incur through social media and the Internet. For example, the authors cited the recent "Gamergate" controversy, in which female video game developers and critics of the industry received death threats and had home addresses published online.

ESA, which represents video game developers, takes issue with a mention in the document blaming video games for "mainstreaming violence."

"There is widespread representation of (violence against women and girls) in mainstream culture, including in contemporary and popular music, movies, the gaming industry and the general portrayal of women in popular media," the report states. "Recent research on how violent video games are turning children, mostly boys, into ‘killing zombies' are also a part of mainstreaming violence." http://bit.ly/1RCpBIS

In a response published on its website, ESA said the report's authors cited as evidence an opinion column from 2000 that uses bad science. The association said no link has been found between video games and aggressive behavior in children—a conclusion reached by the U.S. Supreme Court when it struck down a California law banning the sale of violent video to minors in 2011.

"ESA strongly supports empowering women and minorities and creating an inclusive digital environment that welcomes all perspectives," CEO Michael Gallagher said. "However, the U.N. does this important issue a great disservice and undercuts its credibility by spreading ridiculous stereotypes and false opinions." http://bit.ly/1jkg4Lt

MORE CEO DATELINE

• RIAA data show vinyl albums sales are skyrocketing
• Pork council piqued about prison prohibition of pig products
• NRF forecasts ‘solid' retail sales for the 2015 holiday season
• Pharmacists association recognized for helping vaccination
• Candy association says parents will practice 'moderation' this Halloween