Remember fellow gamers: always read the fine print. Especially when you're signing up for any of the online-based services that bubble up on what seems like an almost daily basis. Case in point, EA's new Origin service. The publisher's client includes an online store where you can purchase PC games, as well as running ever-so-conveniently in the background while you're playing said games.
While EA has stirred up a bit of controversy with Origin lately, namely around "Battlefield 3" remaining absent from Valve's competing Steam service, it's now been revealed that Origin would like to help itself to your personal information, as well.
As noticed by a rather attentive member of the Escapist Forums (via VG247), the Origin end-user license agreement – you know, all that legal garbage you likely never read – there's no way to opt-out from EA collecting your personal information after you begin using the service. The pertinent language follows:
2. Consent to Collection and Use of Data.
You agree that EA may collect, use, store and transmit technical and related information that identifies your computer (including the Internet Protocol Address), operating system, Application usage (including but not limited to successful installation and/or removal), software, software usage and peripheral hardware, that may be gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of software updates, dynamically served content, product support and other services to you, including online services. EA may also use this information combined with personal information for marketing purposes and to improve our products and services. We may also share that data with our third party service providers in a form that does not personally identify you. IF YOU DO NOT WANT EA TO COLLECT, USE, STORE, TRANSMIT OR DISPLAY THE DATA DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION, PLEASE DO NOT INSTALL OR USE THE APPLICATION.
So there you have it. Don't want EA to take your personal information? Don't install Origin. Well, unless you actually want to play "Battlefield 3."
Of course, there's nothing here that says EA will definitely take your precious personal info, and really, what do you have to hide anyways? Haven't we learned anything from Mark Zuckerberg and his assertions that the "age of privacy" has ended?