There are some uses of multiple accounts allowed in the game of EVE Online, and CCP have recently come out to clarify just what those allowed uses are and what will not be tolerated.

You’re allowed to have multiple accounts/subscriptions and even play them at the same time with the use of multiboxing software. There are many legitimate uses of this play style, including sending accounts ahead as scout parties and gang boosting. It’s also the cornerstone tactic of the ‘noble’ art of spying in the game of EVE, using smaller accounts to join the ranks of enemy corporations to keep an eye on their activities while your main account is active in the one you support.

However, other uses are not allowed. One, input automation which was banned way back in March 2013, is still very much illegal. This is when you use a bot to control an account and do actions for you, such as mining or looking after the time-consuming ore refining tasks. Now Input Broadcasting and Input Multiplexing have also been banned from list of allowed actions to take with multiple accounts – although only if they are performing actions that have an impact on the game’s built-in universe. Anything like altering EVE Online client settings and the positioning and arrangements of the client within your system’s desktop environment are fine.

The first bans for IB and IM will happen from January 1st 2015, with the first occurrence resulting in a ban of 30 days and the second ban being a permanent one. If you aren’t sure about something you are currently doing with your accounts, CCP recommend you ask them before you continue to do it lest you get hit by these penalties.