Online Privacy in Gaming 2025: How to Protect Your Data

Have you stopped to consider how your love of gaming could affect your online privacy? Many gamers share personal information online regularly – without giving it a second thought. Perhaps it was the game you bought, the profile you created, or even the platform you used to browse. Unknowingly, you could be sharing preferences and behaviours, or even locations and credit card details.

This is why online privacy in gaming has become more important than ever. And, why it’s important to know exactly what information companies need and how to limit the amount you share online. You can even protect payment information, by using prepaid game cards from a trusted provider like Recharge. They can help you control what you share online and where.

Online Privacy: What Information Does Your Game Platform Collect?

Many gamers aren’t aware of how much personal information they share without thinking about it. For example, when installing a game via PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or the App Store, you often automatically give consent to store data like your name, date of birth, email address, and gameplay habits.

Some of this data is needed to make your account work properly. But a large portion is also used for commercial purposes — to show you personalised offers or targeted ads. That’s why it’s important to check your settings regularly and choose what you do and don’t want to share.

Online Privacy in Game Stores

Digital stores like the PlayStation Store, Steam, and Google Play don’t just save your age and payment method. They also track how you browse the store, which games you view, and what device you use.

This information is used to generate recommendations and targeted advertising — sometimes even outside the platform. Want to take back control? Adjust your privacy settings. If you play on Steam, for example, you can adjust your settings to control who sees your profile and what information is shared. Nintendo’s privacy policy also details the control you have over how your data is used.

Why Do Games Ask for Personal Information?

Many games ask for details like your phone number or address, but that’s not always necessary. You only need to provide information that’s truly required to play. The more you share, the greater the risk in case of a data breach.

It’s worth using a guest account where possible, or to log in with as little personal information as needed. Need more guidance? The Australian Cyber Security Centre offers practical tips for staying safe online.

Free Games and Online Privacy

Free-to-play games are hugely popular, as you can jump in right away without paying. But sometimes, you’re still paying — with your data. Did you know many free games make money not just from in-game purchases, but also by collecting and selling user data to third parties?

Your gaming habits may be analysed and sold to advertisers. Some games also use psychological tricks — known as dark patterns — to encourage you to spend.

So even with free games, it’s worth staying cautious. Always check what permissions you’re giving, and use secure payment options like prepaid credit where possible.

Use a Separate Email Address for Gaming

A simple but smart way to improve your online privacy is to create a dedicated email address just for gaming. It gives you more control and lowers your risk in case of a data breach.

Benefits of a separate gaming email:

• Other accounts stay secure in the event of a hack
• It’s easier to spot phishing emails when they’re isolated in one inbox
• Keeps your personal, work, and gaming life clearly separated

Protecting Your Privacy When Buying Games

Want to pay safely without putting your personal details at risk? Use a prepaid game card. You can buy credit for your favourite platform (like PlayStation, Steam, or Xbox) from a trusted provider such as Recharge and redeem the code directly to your account. That way, there’s no need to link your bank or credit card.

Why does this matter? Linking a credit card may be convenient, but it comes with risks. If your account is hacked or the platform suffers a data breach, your payment information could be exposed. It wouldn’t be the first time either – a major PlayStation Network breach in 2011 saw the data of over 70 million users compromised, including payment information.

With prepaid credit, you reduce the risk of:

• Hackers gaining access to your credit card details
• Falling victim to phishing attacks targeting payment info
• Unexpected or unauthorised purchases — especially by children

Prepaid cards are a simple and secure way to protect your online privacy and enjoy gaming with peace of mind.

Online Privacy for Kids

Young gamers also unknowingly share a lot of data. Despite privacy regulations such as the Privacy Act 1988 and the ongoing development of the Children’s Online Privacy Code, many games still collect information from children — for example, their date of birth, voice messages, or details about in-game purchases.

What can parents do?

• Regularly review platform privacy settings
• Use prepaid credit instead of a linked credit card
• Set clear rules for chat use and purchases

These steps can help make your child’s gaming environment safer. For more information, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Taking Control of Your Online Privacy in 2025

Gaming is more fun than ever — but also more complex when it comes to privacy. Whether you’re a hardcore console gamer or someone who enjoys mobile games occasionally, it’s important to stay in control of your data.

With a few simple steps — like using a separate email for gaming, adjusting your privacy settings, and paying with prepaid credit from Recharge — you can avoid unnecessary risks and keep control over your online privacy.

In short: enjoy gaming, but be aware of what you’re sharing. Online privacy starts with smart choices — and luckily, those are easy to make.