Protecting Children’s Personal Data in a Video Game Environment

Abstract

This article focused on the correlation between the video game industry and the children’s right to privacy and to the protection of their personal data. The research was conducted through the lens of, but not limited to, the General Data Protection Regulation as the main legal instrument aiming to grant an increased level of protection to children. It analysed the legal implications of this developing industry, assessing whether the available legal framework is prepared to address the issues that may stem from video games and other adjacent emerging technologies. In order to limit the scope of the paper, Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games were chosen as a main focus. The main objective of the paper was to find relevant and practical recommendations for effectively securing children’s interests, that might be abused by video game companies, while ensuring the realization of other rights of the child, such as the freedom of expression, the freedom of assembly and the right to education and recreation, granted by The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. These recommendations are addressed to all of the stakeholders (relevant national authorities, supervisory authorities, video game companies, parents and children themselves). A multi-stakeholder approach to this issue would significantly increase the efficiency of these recommendations.

 

Author
Maria-Alexandra Enescu.