US politicians have written letters to a dozen game companies asking them to better protect young people from online risks and predatory game design.
The letters, written by three members of Congress, implored executives to explain what changes they were making based upon new UK legislation that protects children online and if any, what effect this would have on their products within the US. The Verge first reported the story.
The UK law, known as the Age Appropriate Design Code is set to come into effect in the United Kingdom on September 2, following a twelve-month transition period. The rules are intended to keep children's data safe online and could also prohibit companies from using nudge tactics such as loot boxes as a method for selling items to children in the UK.
The law does not extend to children in the US, but executives from Microsoft, Blizzard, Sony of America, and Take-Two interactive were amongst several US-based companies who received letters encouraging them to uphold similar values for children's safety.
“It is imperative that Congress acts with urgency to enact a strong privacy law for children and teens in the 21st century,” the US politicians wrote. “As we work towards that goal, we urge you to extend to American children and teens any privacy enhancements that you implement to comply with the AADC.”
Members of Congress commented on the use of microtransactions within games stating that they have "led to high credit card bills for parents" before addressing the controversial inclusion of loot boxes within games played by children. "Loot boxes go one step further, encouraging purchase before a child knows what the “bundle” contains— akin to gambling," said the US lawmakers. "Children are uniquely vulnerable to manipulation and peer pressure associated with in-game purchases and loot boxes" the letters go on to read.
In addition to calling out loot boxes, the letters also address the dangers that children face through social interactions in online gaming. The members of Congress say that "social interactions in gaming allow cybercriminals to manipulate conversations and garner detailed personal information" before highlighting the need for stronger online privacy settings for children.
The US already has some legislation in effect that protects children's privacy and data online. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) covers children aged 12 and under from certain risks linked to online gaming, which prohibits the collection, use, or disclosure of children's personal information without parental notification or consent. However, with minors not transitioning into adulthood until the age of 18, arguably more needs to be done in both Congress and by companies to protect young people throughout their adolescence.
If you'd like to read more about the links between Loot Boxes and problem gambling, you can read this article which details the findings of a report from April carried out by researchers at the universities of Plymouth and Wolverhampton.
Jared Moore is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.