Children's code guidance for gaming developers
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published new guidance to help game developers comply with the Children's code
The Children's code is a code of practice that sets out how online services, likely to be accessed by children, should protect them in the digital world.
The ICO's new guidance aims to help game design companies to better understand how the Children's code applies in their sector, and what steps they should take to comply.
The recommendations are based on the ICO's experiences and findings during a series of voluntary audits of game developers, studios and publishers within the gaming industry.
The recommendations include:
- running risk assessments
- knowing your players' ages
- being transparent
- preventing detrimental use of data
- setting high privacy settings and parental controls
- profiling responsibly
- implementing positive nudge techniques
Read the ICO's top tips for game designers on complying with the Children's code.
If you're interested in working with the ICO, you can also volunteer for an audit at no expense to your company. An audit will give you access to the data protection knowledge and experience of the ICO team, a chance to discuss relevant issues, and get an independent assessment of your conformance with the Children's code.
First published 10 March 2023