In a bid to ensure a successful relaunch of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and comply with government regulations, Krafton, the South Korean video game developer, has implemented significant updates to its privacy policy. The move aims to address concerns regarding user harm and addiction, particularly among underaged players. These updates include enhanced data transparency, stricter parental controls, and limitations on in-game spending.

Underage Players To Require Parental Consent for Data Storage in BGMI

Krafton's revamped privacy policy, as outlined on the official BGMI website, emphasizes the protection of user data. It specifies that personal information of Indian players will be stored within India and Singapore. Access to this data is strictly limited to authorized employees, agents, and contracted third parties who are bound by confidentiality agreements and have access solely on a need-to-know basis. The policy clearly states that personal information cannot be accessed without explicit approval.

One of the notable changes in Krafton's privacy policy pertains to players who are below the age of 18. To ensure compliance with legal requirements, underage users will be required to obtain data storage consent from their parents or guardians for their accounts to be created and maintained. Krafton has made it clear that if a parent or guardian believes their child under 18 has provided personal information without consent, they can contact the company to request deletion of the child's data from the system.

To promote responsible gaming habits, BGMI already imposes limitations on playing time for players under 18, allowing a maximum of three hours per day. Additionally, an in-game daily spend limit of INR 7,000 has been implemented, automatically preventing players from overspending and overindulging.

While these privacy policy updates and restrictions may pose challenges for underage players, they are necessary steps to ensure compliance with government regulations and safeguard the well-being of young gamers. By incorporating stricter data control measures and parental consent requirements, Krafton aims to mitigate potential risks associated with excessive gaming and protect the privacy of underage players.

However, the impact of these measures on the long-term availability of the game remains uncertain. The effectiveness of the privacy policy updates and the cooperation of parents and guardians in overseeing their children's gaming activities will ultimately determine BGMI's sustainability beyond the three-month trial period approved by the Indian government.