Online Privacy in Gaming 2025: How to Protect Your Data

Online privacy in gaming is becoming an increasingly important issue in 2025. This is largely thanks to gaming platforms collecting a wide range of data – about your behaviour, preferences, and even your location. Every time you download a game, create a profile, or make a purchase in a digital game store, you share personal information, often without realising it.

Discover how to protect your personal data, what game platforms actually know about you, and even how to pay securely without a credit card. For example, by using prepaid game voucher from a trusted provider like MobileTopUp you can stay in control of your online privacy and purchases.

Online Privacy: What Information Does Your Game Platform Collect?

Plenty of gamers are unaware of how much personal information they share without thinking about it. For example, by 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 for your account to work properly. But it can also be 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 or don’t want to share.

Online Privacy in Game Stores

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

They use this data to generate recommendations and targeted advertising — sometimes even outside the platform. If you don’t want to share this information, you can change your privacy settings. For example, on Steam you can tweak your settings to control who sees your profile and what information is shared. Nintendo also allows you to manage how your data is used — read their privacy policy for more information.

Why Do Games Ask for Personal Information?

Some games ask for details like your phone number or address, but they don’t always need this, and could be using it for other purposes. Make sure you only provide the information that’s actually required to play. The more you share, the greater the risk in case of a data breach.

Log in with as little personal information as needed or, where possible, use a guest account. The National Cyber Security Centre offers more practical advice for staying safe online.

Free Games and Online Privacy

You can jump into free-to-play games right away without paying, making them hugely popular. But often, you’re paying with your data instead. Many free games don’t just make their money from in-game purchases, but by collecting and selling user data. Your gaming habits may be analysed and even 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 important to keep being 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 smart and simple way to improve your online privacy? 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

If you want to make purchases safely without putting your personal details at risk, consider using a prepaid game voucher. You can buy credit for your favourite platform (like PlayStation, Xbox, or Steam) from a trusted provider like MobileTopUp and redeem the code directly to your account – so there’s no need to link your bank or credit card.

While it’s convenient to link your credit card, it comes with several risks. If your account is hacked or the platform suffers a data breach, your payment information could be exposed. This has happened before — in the major 2011 PlayStation Network breach 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 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.

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Online Privacy for Kids

Young gamers can also unknowingly share a lot of data. Despite UK privacy regulations such as the UK GDPR and Online Safety Act 2023, 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

This can help make your child’s gaming environment safer. For more information, visit the Government Guidance for the Online Safety Act 2023.

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 fully fledged console gamer or someone who enjoys the occasional mobile phone game, 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 MobileTopUp — you can avoid unnecessary risks and keep control over your online privacy.

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