Video Game Studios Exploit Legal Rights of Children

A study revealed that video game studios are openly ignoring legal systems and abusing the data information and privacy of the children who play these videogames.

Videogame developers discarding legal rights of children 

Researchers found that highly opaque frameworks of data collection in the intense lucrative video game market run by third-party companies and developers showed malicious intent. The major players freely discard children's rights to store personal data via game apps. Video game studios ask parents to accept privacy policies that are difficult to understand and also contradictory at times. 

Quagmire of videos games privacy laws

Their legality is doubtful. Video game studios are thriving on the fact that parents won't take the time to read these privacy laws carefully, and in case if they do, they still won't be able to complain because of the complexity of policies. 

Experts studied the privacy frameworks of video games for children aged below 13 (below 14 in Quebec) in comparison to legal laws in the US, Quebec, and Canada. 

Conclusion 

The research reveals an immediate need for government agencies to implement legal frameworks and predict when potential legal issues for video game developers can surface. In Quebec, a class action lawsuit has already been filled against the mobile gaming industry for violating children's privacy rights.

Need for robust legal systems 

Since there is a genuine need for legislative involvement to control studio operations, this investigation may result in legal action against studios whose abusive practices have been revealed as well as legal reforms. 

 Self-regulation by industry participants (studios and classification agencies) is ineffective since it fails to safeguard children's data rights. Not only do parents and kids lack the knowledge necessary to give unequivocal consent, but inaccurate information also gives them a false sense of security, especially if the game seems harmless and childlike.