Online Privacy in Gaming 2025: How to Protect Your Data

Online privacy in gaming is increasingly becoming a hot topic. The internet is filled with increasingly sophisticated ways to get your data – and gaming is one of them. Creating a profile? You could be asked for your age, email address and even your location. Just browsing? Your preferences may be stored and utilized for advertising. And when you buy a game – your payment details could be stored, making you susceptible to data breaches.

That’s why it’s important to know the best way to protect your personal information. Learn what data gaming platforms actually require and how to stay savvy when it comes to your online privacy in gaming – including how to pay securely without using a credit card. Trusted providers like Recharge offer easy and safe ways to pay online. Think prepaid game cards, which you can buy securely and then use without giving out data on multiple platforms.

Online Privacy: What Information Does Your Game Platform Collect?

Many gamers are unaware 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’re often automatically giving consent to store data like your name, date of birth, email address, and gameplay habits.

Some of this data is necessary to make your account work properly. But a large portion is also used for commercial purposes — like personalized 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 fine-tune your settings to control who sees your profile and what information is shared. Nintendo also allows you to manage how your data is used — just check their privacy policy.

Why Do Games Ask for Personal Information?

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

Where possible, use a guest account or log in with as little personal information as needed. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security 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 often, 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?

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

So stay cautious, even with free games. 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. This has happened before — like the major 2011 PlayStation Network breach, where the data of over 70 million users, including payment details, was compromised.

With prepaid credit, you reduce the risk of:

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

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. While Canada doesn’t have a separate children’s privacy law like the US’ COPPA, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) does apply to children’s data. Yet many games still collect information from children — like birthdates, voice chats, and in-game purchase history.

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 tips, visit the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

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.