Ubisoft Faces Data Privacy Complaint Over Alleged Tracking in Single-Player Games
Gaming giant Ubisoft is under scrutiny after an Austrian data protection group, Noyb, filed a complaint accusing the company of unlawfully collecting user data during single-player gameplay.
According to Noyb, Ubisoft – the publisher behind popular titles like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry – requires players to stay connected to the internet even when playing games that don’t offer online features. This constant connection allegedly enables Ubisoft to monitor player behavior, including when games are launched, how long they are played, and when they are closed, without providing a valid legal basis under Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Noyb, known for targeting tech firms over privacy issues, claims that Ubisoft’s data practices violate GDPR rules, which mandate that data collection must be necessary and based on clear user consent. A lawyer from Noyb argued that forcing players online simply to gather behavioral data is unlawful and designed to generate additional revenue at the expense of users’ privacy.
The Austrian Data Protection Authority is now reviewing the complaint. If found guilty, Ubisoft could face a fine of up to €92 million ($104 million). Noyb has also requested that Ubisoft delete any personal data collected without proper authorization.
At the time of this report, Ubisoft has not issued a public response regarding the allegations.
