Gaming platforms often demand personal information from users, including email addresses, names, and, occasionally, payment details. This data unveils valuable insights into player behavior and preferences.
Privacy in Online Gaming Platforms
Online gaming platforms often require users to create accounts with personal information, such as email addresses, names, and sometimes payment information, Interesting Engineering reported.
In addition, these platforms collect a wealth of gameplay data, including player statistics, in-game purchases, chat logs, and user-generated content. This data can reveal a lot about players' behavior and preferences.
(Photo : Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 13: Gamers compete in PC gaming at the 'Nvidia' booth during the Electronic Entertainment Expo E3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
A new study by researchers at the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University has exposed dubious data-collecting practices in online games.
Janne Lindqvist, an associate professor of computer science at Aalto, explained the study's core objectives, saying the research delved into discerning players' outlook on games and dissecting the privacy mechanisms inherent in these gaming platforms.
Notably, the study unveiled the multifaceted considerations of gamers. Some participants expressed their inclination to minimize voice chat usage in games, reserving it for necessary situations to safeguard their privacy.
Furthermore, the examination of various games exposed the employment of tactics aimed at persuading players to divulge their online identities, frequently luring them with the promise of virtual incentives.
Read Also: China Limits Online Gaming Hours of Minors to Just Three Hours a Week
Encompassing Interface Strategies
The study also identified instances in which games employed "dark design," encompassing interface strategies aimed at persuading users to engage in actions they might otherwise avoid, such as linking their social media profiles or permitting the exchange of player information with external entities.
Moreover, the research highlighted that participants were often unaware that their text-based conversations could be disclosed to external parties. Furthermore, the absence of notifications during gameplay meant that players remained uninformed about data-sharing practices.
The researchers advocated for greater transparency in privacy policies across online gaming platforms. They emphasized the need for explicit and understandable privacy policies that detail the types of data collected, their intended usage, and the recipients of this information.
User consent for data collection and processing should be a mandatory aspect of online gaming platforms. The researchers stressed that privacy regulations, often laden with complex legal jargon, should be replaced with straightforward language to elucidate the data-handling practices of gaming companies.
EurekAlert reported that this enhanced transparency and explicit consent can empower users and improve their sense of control over their data. Additionally, gaming enterprises must prioritize and strengthen online safety measures to safeguard their players.
Lindqvist emphasized the fundamental principles of gaming, saying that games should not only deliver enjoyment but also ensure safety for all players while upholding their autonomy.
This study's findings have been documented in the journal "Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction." The research serves as a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about privacy and user autonomy in the gaming industry.
It underscores the importance of crafting gaming experiences that prioritize user safety and agency, highlighting the need for responsible game design and transparent data policies to create a more secure and enjoyable environment for all players.
The research's publication in a reputable journal reinforces its value as a source of insight into online gaming and privacy practices.
Related Article: Online Gaming Could Be Good for Mental Health - Here's Why
