The editorial team at BF3Blog have spotted some interesting clauses that are contained within PC Gaming stalwart anti-cheat software Punkbuster.
Punkbuster is a commonly used application which is designed to prevent gamers from modifying their game files and cheating in online games such as Battlefield 3, Call of Duty 4 and hundreds more.
As it turns out, when you install Punkbuster you agree to terms which allow the application to scan your PC and even take screen shots which it may then publish.
Of course, when you think about how Punkbuster actually works, this makes total sense. In order to make sure that players are not modifying their software, Punkbuster must necessarily scan their PCs, and by taking screen shots Punkbuster is able to provide proof of players’ transgressions when they arise.
When installing Punkbuster players must agree to the following terms:
” Licensee understands and agrees that the information that may be inspected and reported by PunkBuster software includes, but is not limited to, Licensee’s Internet Protocol Address, devices and any files residing on the hard-drive and in the memory of the computer on which PunkBuster software is installed. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that if Licensee does not want Licensor to collect and process such information, Licensee should not use the PunkBuster software.
Further, Licensee consents to allow PunkBuster software to transfer actual screenshots taken of Licensee’s computer during the operation of PunkBuster software for possible publication.”
The discovery has caused a bit of a stir, with some gamers claiming that the software is invasive and that it compromises their privacy.
BF3Blog author James Hyde called Punkbuster “Yet another case of PC gaming software that takes things too far, giving it a broad set of options and rights to collect and disseminate users’ information.”
I for one don’t agree with this assessment. Punkbuster has been available for over 10 years, and for the most part has done a good job of keeping dedicated PC gaming servers fairly clean of hackers without giving me any reason to believe that any personal information of mine has been duplicated for nefarious purposes.
