Tech News Summary:
- Popular mobile games in India, such as Call of Duty Mobile and Carrom Pool: Disc Game, were found to collect as many as 17 out of 32 different data points, covering personal information such as photos and videos, contact details, location data, and contact lists.
- Among the 510 most popular games in 60 countries examined, almost all (492) were found to collect user data with a vast majority (446) allowing tracking on other companies’ apps and websites.
- The report raised concerns about privacy risks associated with the collection and use of precise user location data by games, which can be exploited beyond gaming for targeted marketing or market research purposes.
In India, a growing concern has arisen over the usage of data on mobile games. A recent investigation has revealed that there are certain mobile games that are operating like “Data Vampires”, draining users’ data without their knowledge.
According to reports, these games are secretly using up a significant amount of data in the background, leading to unexpected data charges for the users. It is understood that some of the most popular games like PUBG, Fortnite, and Candy Crush have been listed as some of the top culprits in this regard.
The issue has come to the forefront as mobile gaming continues to be a popular pastime in India, particularly in light of the pandemic and the increasing use of mobile devices. Several users have reported experiencing unusually high data consumption, resulting in hefty bills. As a result, mobile users have been advised to exercise caution and be mindful of online activities that could potentially eat up their data.
For its part, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a warning and has urged mobile game developers to ensure that their games are not consuming users’ data in an unfair manner. The authority has also indicated that stringent action will be taken against companies that engage in such practices.
In light of these developments, it is advisable for users to keep an eye on data usage and install data-saving features on their devices. It is also recommended to research mobile games before downloading them to ensure they do not serve as data vampires. In the end, users must be aware of the potential consequences of excessive data usage and be proactive in protecting themselves from these hidden threats.