BGMI has been in the headlines for the past couple of days, first for the early access, and then for allegedly transferring user data to Chinese servers. Krafton, the publisher of BGMI, has finally responded to the allegations and subtly acknowledged the fact that some user 'data was shared to third parties', in order 'to provide unique game features'.
Along with the confession, the company has also said that they are 'taking the concerns raised very seriously and has taken immediate, concrete actions to address this issue', however, what the 'concrete actions' meant, was not explained.
Krafton responds to data transfer allegations
Krafton said, 'KRAFTON, Inc., the creator of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA and the owner of the blockbuster IP -PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS, is working to fully comply with the Indian laws and regulations as we lead up to the official launch of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA. KRAFTON is implementing the industry’s toughest standards for data security and is working to overcome any shortcomings throughout the Early Access testing period, for the official launch of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA. In the meantime, KRAFTON is fully aware of the recent concerns over data handling in regards to BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA Early Access test.'
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The company further added 'With the hopes of convening with our fans in India soon in an official launch, KRAFTON has been tirelessly working on the Early Access test of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA to offer a distinct battle royale experience in a safe and secure environment. And with privacy, player data safety and protection being our top priority, KRAFTON is taking the concerns raised very seriously and has taken immediate, concrete actions to address this issue. Similar to other global mobile games and apps, BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA also uses third party solutions to provide unique game features. In the process of using these solutions, some game data was shared to third parties. BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA’s privacy policy (https://www.battlegroundsmobileindia.com/privacy) fully discloses that the app may transfer some user data, with users’ consent to the privacy policy and choosing to migrate their accounts. No data has been shared in violation of the privacy policy.'
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'Thus, data shared to third parties are ONLY to enable certain game features. In the meantime, KRAFTON will continue to closely monitor and protect any data being transferred to unexpected and restricted IP addresses prior to the official launch.'
An IGN India report had revealed that BGMI was sharing Indian users' data to at least four Chinese servers, which was not in line with what was promised before the early access launch.
BGMI had been advertising that Indian users' data would only be stored in India and Singapore, however, its Privacy Policy did mention that 'app may transfer some user data' to other countries, including China, in order to meet legal requirements.
It is noteworthy that BGMI was banned in India on the lines of data security. Krafton had then claimed to cut ties with Tencent for Indian operations.