EN 
TR 
Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Turkey (“ICTA”) has published the “Guide on Privacy in Digital Games” (“Guide”), in order to highlight the importance of the concept of digital privacy on the internet medium. Accordingly, the Guide focuses on today’s significant issues such as how to control the streaming of games and content of commercial and advertising pop-ups. In furtherance of the advisory rules of ICTA, the Guide targets to raise awareness of both family members and minors by providing advisory rules on how to ensure privacy and be protected from harmful content in digital games. In this sense, the Guide brings advisory rules on various issues such as the concept of digital privacy, non-sharing of personal data, control of family members and cyberbullying.
What is digital privacy and why is it important?
First of all, the concept of ‘digital privacy’ is defined under the Guide as a reflection of privacy in real life, meaning that certain information regarding personal life and personal space shall be kept confidential. Furthermore, the Guide emphasizes that individuals should pay attention on how they behave in digital environments, which data is shared with whom and which is not. Highlighting that especially social media users can share their personal data unconsciously, the Guide also emphasizes the concept of digital privacy with the accelerated development of information technologies.
Furthermore, it is emphasized in the Guide that the interest in digital games by minors, is rapidly growing depending on the continuous development of the digital world. With that regard, it is also asserted that it is essential for parents to know what kind of digital games their children are playing and to control whether the content of such games is suitable for them. Pursuant to the Guide, parents should pay attention to certain matters in digital games including (i) the age ratings of games, (ii) their chat features, (iii) streaming of games, (iv) their advertising content, (v) in-game purchases, and (vi) non-sharing of personal information and data.
Cyberbullying
In particular, digital games benefit minor people in terms of their sense of responsibility, socialization, focus, strategy development and hand-eye coordination. However, mostly having a chat section in digital games and allowing access to a computer and/or smart device camera and microphone, also pose great risks to the public safety. As a response, the Guide offers certain protective measures against these risks, including (i) choosing reliable platforms and content producers when purchasing games from digital media, (ii) not sharing accurate information in areas where personal information is requested when logging into the game, (iii) not sharing the passwords requested for logging into the game with any third party, although the developer of the game gives confidence, (iv) not accepting the sent files during the game, and (v) using strong passwords such as creating passwords that do not contain any personal data.
As per the Guide, the concept of ‘cyberbullying’ means sending written, visual or audio messages between individuals for the purposes of creating hostility, intimidation, threat, humiliation, slander, and harassment via information and communication technologies. It is emphasized in the Guide that being exposed to cyberbullying can cause permanent psychological and physical damages. In this sense, the Guide advises family members on how to raise awareness of on cyberbullying and to ensure that children communicate with their family members in such a case.
Finally, the Guide also advises minors on certain matters. Especially, the Guide highlights that minor people should not share their private and personal information regarding their daily lives, address of their residence and bank accounts with any third party in digital games. It is also emphasized that minor people should be cautious to so-called game trends that are shared via communication networks and invite them to challenge. Further, it is highlighted that these games can drag a person to the point of harming their physical and mental health. As per the Guide, such this kind events, firstly sharing with parents and if necessary, should contact law enforcement. Lastly, the Guide stipulates that minor people should control their communication with any third party in the multiplayer games. Besides, especially attention should be paid to games that spread violence and hate speech, and such games should be avoided as much as possible.
Ezgi Ceren Aydoğmuş, Esra Temur
