Online games be careful with your personal information

(EN) Internet games have become very common in everyday life. According to some research, more than 80% of Canadians now view it as “mainstream entertainment”. Worried about not knowing who has access to your child’s information when they are playing online video games? You are right to care. Online games, be careful with your personal information

Both console and game manufacturers regularly collect personal player information. They do this to enable multiplayer experiences and to manage a network of contacts and interactions.

The data collected may include the player’s name, date of birth, address, location, email address and IP address, rankings of other players, and images a player uploads. They may also collect their credit card information for billing purposes and, for those who play online for money, banking information for deposits or winnings.

The popularity of online games is constantly growing

The popularity of online games is constantly growing. This is why the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada advises on how to protect privacy when playing online, whether on the phone, on the computer or on a console.

• Create an email address that you only use to play online.
• Adopt a nickname when playing an interactive multiplayer game.
• Minimize the personal information you share.
• Do not give your mailing address or any information about your school or work.
• Adjust your privacy settings to limit the number of people who can see your personal details.
• If you allow a game to access the web camera, microphone, or location data on your device, disable that access at the end of the game.

To learn more about online gaming and protecting your privacy, go to priv.gc.ca/gamesvideo.

Review your family’s privacy practices

At the end of the year, this is a great opportunity to review your privacy practices. Take the opportunity to adopt good habits that will allow your family members to protect their personal information throughout the New Year.

The online world is convenient, but it also carries privacy risks. Organizations have a responsibility to protect your personal information, but there are also concrete steps you and your family members can take in this regard.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada encourages Canadians to learn about the apps and services their children use, limit the information they share with others, and take a closer look at privacy settings. family members’ accounts and devices. A good way to start is to discuss it with your children. Know what your kids are doing on the Internet and what devices they use to better understand the nature of the personal information they can share.