Microsoft has paid a $20 million fine to settle accusations that it illegally collected personal information from children without their parent’s consent.
The US Federal Trade Commission imposed a fine on Microsoft, according to media reports, confirming that the case revolves around collecting private personal information about children who participated in the Xbox game system, without notifying parents or obtaining their consent.
“Our proposed order makes it easier for parents to protect their children’s privacy on Xbox and limits the information Microsoft can collect and maintain about children,” said Samuel Levine, director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Office of Consumer Protection.
“This measure should also make it clear that children’s avatars, biometric data, and health information are not exempt from the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act,” Levine stressed.
The US Federal Trade Commission confirmed that it will expand the application of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act to all game publishers that Microsoft shares children’s data with.