Ubisoft Faces GDPR Complaint Over Secretive Data Collection in Games Like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry
April 24, 2025
This situation underscores the increasing scrutiny of data practices among technology companies in Europe, as privacy advocates call for greater transparency and accountability.
Noyb asserts that Ubisoft has not adequately explained the reasons for transmitting data to external servers, which raises questions about the necessity of such practices.
This complaint follows a similar incident where Sony had to revise its data collection policies for the PC version of 'Helldivers 2' after facing backlash from players.
Noyb has indicated that it may pursue similar complaints against other gaming companies in the future, suggesting that Ubisoft is not alone in facing scrutiny over data privacy.
The timing of these allegations is particularly damaging for Ubisoft, which lost over half of its market value in 2024, making potential fines a severe threat to its financial stability.
These privacy issues come at a precarious time for Ubisoft, which is undergoing a major restructuring to address ongoing financial difficulties and has seen its stock value impacted by previous data breaches.
The outcome of this case will depend on noyb's ability to demonstrate that players did not adequately accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) and that the data collected was processed unlawfully.
Ubisoft is facing a legal complaint from the European privacy group noyb, alleging violations of GDPR due to secret data collection in single-player games such as Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.
The complaint highlights that Ubisoft requires an online connection to verify game ownership, a necessity that noyb contests, arguing it is unwarranted since games are purchased through platforms like Steam.
A user investigation revealed that while playing Far Cry Primal, the game connected to external servers, including Amazon and Google, 150 times in just ten minutes, raising significant concerns about data collection practices.
Despite these allegations, Ubisoft's latest release, Assassin's Creed Shadows, has garnered positive reviews for its depiction of feudal Japan and a return to stealth gameplay.
Privacy advocates are encouraging gamers to closely examine terms of service and take proactive measures to protect their data, suggesting that this case could set a precedent for industry practices.
Summary based on 15 sources
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Sources

The Register • Apr 24, 2025
Assassin's Creed maker faces GDPR complaint for forcing single-player gamers online
International Business Times UK • Apr 25, 2025
Ubisoft Game Faces £79m Fine as Privacy Experts Uncover Hidden Data Harvesting
Eurogamer.net • Apr 24, 2025
Privacy firm files Ubisoft legal complaint over data collection, forced online in single-player games
CCN.com • Apr 24, 2025
Ubisoft Accused of Illegally Harvesting Far Cry Gamer Data and Sending to Amazon, Google