UK Tells Games To Stop Collecting Behaviour Data From Kids
Age restrictions aren't easy to uphold. How many times has a website, app, or Game asked you for your age, only for you to put down January 1, 1947? Then there are those that simply don't try – only asking if you're above 18. Let's face it, online age restrictions are a joke – but it seems that the UK no longer finds it funny. A recent report by the Information Commissioner's Office wants video Games to bolster and enforce age restriction.
The ICO has stated that video Games should include stronger age assurance features for those who are below 18 years of age (thanks, EuroGamer). It has also published a list of tips and recommendations on how developers can go around doing so. However, this goes both ways. The report also says that personal data of children should only be collected and processed if it's "not detrimental to their Health or wellbeing."
In order to do so, the ICO recommends that any optional use of personal data be set to off by default, until consent is given by the player or a parent/guardian. Additionally, product placement, paid promotions, or collaborations should ideally be monitored, especially in community servers.
The report also suggests that developers introduce "checkpoints, automatic periodic saving of progress, or natural breaks in play between Game matches into Game design. Include age-appropriate prompts to encourage players to take breaks from extended play or help them to disengage from extended sessions without feeling pressurised to continue playing or becoming fearful of missing out.''
All of this comes with the ICO's recommendation of a more robust system for parental control. This includes opt-in real time alerts about children’s activity in the Game, or if children try to access the parental controls. Additionally, appropriate explanations and prompts at each step if a child attempts to change the settings, variable settings for what personal data can be seen by others, and having the voice chat functionality off by default for children.
These suggestions don't appear to be too stringent. With the parents' consent a child isn't really limited from gaming as much as they want, as long as it's age appropriate content.
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