Navigating the Controversy: Unpacking the Terms of Service Debate Surrounding Once Human

The recent surge in popularity of the multiplayer survival game Once Human has been accompanied by a wave of review-bombing on Steam, with players expressing unease over certain provisions in the game's terms of service. This article delves into the specific lines that have sparked concern and examines the developer's response to the controversy.

Uncovering the Contentious Clauses: A Closer Look at Once Human's Terms of Service

Extensive Data Collection: A Cause for Concern?

The terms of service for Once Human have raised eyebrows among players, particularly regarding the extensive personal information the game's developer, NetEase, claims the right to collect. This includes details such as first and last names, email addresses, telephone numbers, messaging accounts, postal addresses, dates of birth, ages, genders, government-issued IDs, and even debit or credit card details.While some of this information, such as payment details, is commonly requested in games with microtransactions, the inclusion of government-issued IDs has sparked significant unease among the player base. The potential use of these IDs, even if for age verification purposes, has left many players feeling uneasy about the level of personal data the game is seeking to obtain.

Transparency and Compliance: NetEase's Response to the Controversy

In response to the growing concerns, NetEase has issued a statement addressing the terms of service controversy. The company has emphasized its commitment to data privacy and adherence to principles such as data minimization, purpose limitation, and transparency.According to NetEase, the collection of government-issued IDs would only occur in specific circumstances, such as when required by local laws or to verify the identity of a user's parent for the purpose of obtaining consent for a child's access to the game. The company has also stated that any collected ID information would be deleted immediately after fulfilling the intended purpose.Furthermore, NetEase has acknowledged the need for greater clarity in its privacy policy and has committed to revising it to improve transparency. The company has encouraged players to review the updated policy and reach out with any specific questions or concerns.

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: A Necessary Evil?

NetEase has also emphasized that the extensive data collection requirements outlined in Once Human's terms of service are in compliance with the Know Your Customer (KYC) and age verification regulations imposed by the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on the online gaming sector.This regulatory framework, designed to combat financial crimes and protect minors, has led game developers like NetEase to implement stringent identity verification measures. While players may find these requirements intrusive, the company has argued that they are necessary to comply with the applicable laws and regulations governing the industry.

Concerns Regarding Chinese Ownership and Potential Privacy Breaches

Beyond the specific terms of service, the fact that Once Human is developed by a Chinese company, NetEase, has also raised concerns among some players. There are unverified rumors circulating on Steam forums about the game being used for cryptocurrency mining or as a means to funnel user data to the Chinese government.While there are no confirmed instances of such issues, the association with a Chinese developer has fueled suspicions and distrust among a segment of the player base. Ultimately, players will need to weigh the potential benefits of the game against their own comfort level with the data collection and privacy practices outlined in the terms of service.

The Balancing Act: Navigating User Privacy and Regulatory Compliance

The Once Human terms of service controversy highlights the delicate balance game developers must strike between protecting user privacy and adhering to regulatory requirements. While the extensive data collection may seem excessive to some players, the company has argued that it is necessary to comply with the applicable laws and industry standards.As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the tension between user privacy and regulatory compliance is likely to persist. Game developers will need to find ways to be more transparent about their data practices, while also ensuring they meet the necessary legal and industry standards. Ultimately, it will be up to players to carefully review the terms of service and make informed decisions about their participation in games like Once Human.