abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb
Article

16 Oct 2020

Author:
Daniel Leufer, Gaspar Pisanu, Estelle Massé & Isedua Oribhabor, Access Now

Open letter: Velan Studios’ commitment to privacy on AR developments

We are writing to you in light of the recently announced launch of ​Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit designed in partnership with Nintendo, which could have serious implications for the privacy of our homes and the protection of our personal data.

Video games and gaming platforms impact human rights in many ways. Nearly ten years have passed since a massive hack ​brought the world’s attention​ to the sheer amount of data held in your sector, demonstrating your power over personal privacy and security. At the same time, gaming has proven to be an important ​platform for social, cultural, and political advocacy​.

... Private companies carry a responsibility to respect and promote users’ rights, beyond complying with local law, and Velan Studios is no exception. While augmented reality promises to open a range of new possibilities for gaming, it also has the potential to amplify risks and create new ones.

Timeline