When Playing Video Games, It's Necessary to Protect Children's Personal Data

When playing video games, children may not be fully aware of the risks and consequences associated with the processing of personal data, which is why it is especially necessary to protect their personal data, emphasizes the Data State Inspectorate (DVI).

It points out that games like "Roblox", "Minecraft", "Fortnite" are not only entertainment for children and young people but also places to meet friends and get to know other players. Communication can also continue outside the game, for example, in "Discord" chats and voice conversations.

DVI recommends - if the rules of the game or platform allow it, choose a nickname in the public profile instead of the real name, which does not reveal the player's surname, date of birth, or school. A separate email address can be used for registration, which does not include the full name and surname.

At the same time, DVI acknowledges that a nickname helps protect privacy but does not ensure complete anonymity by itself. A nickname can also be personal data if it allows a person to be identified directly or indirectly.

A person can also be identified by a set of several messages, even if each of them individually does not allow identifying the specific person. Therefore, DVI urges not to disclose the address, phone number, or when the player is home alone in game chats and voice conversations. DVI also encourages not to share passwords and access codes even if rewards are promised. Meanwhile, a turned-on microphone can also transmit family conversations in the background, the inspectorate warns.

Messages sent in public chats can be immediately copied, saved in a screenshot, or forwarded further. Even if the message is deleted later, saved copies may remain. Neither the platform provider nor the inspectorate can guarantee the complete disappearance of such distributed information, explain the data supervisors.

DVI also draws attention to the fact that the inspectorate does not monitor player conversations and cannot control what is expressed in them on behalf of the child or parents. Data supervisors urge parents to help the child use the platform's blocking and reporting features and, if necessary, contact its support service.