California Attorney General Rob Bonta has reached a $1.4 million settlement with Jam City, Inc., a mobile app gaming company, over allegations that it violated the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The state alleged that Jam City failed to provide users with options to opt out of the sale or sharing of their personal information in its popular gaming apps.
Jam City develops games for mobile platforms, including titles based on well-known franchises such as Frozen, Harry Potter, and Family Guy. Under the terms of the settlement, Jam City is required to implement in-app methods allowing consumers to opt out of data sales or sharing. The company is also prohibited from selling or sharing personal information belonging to users aged 13 to less than 16 without obtaining affirmative “opt-in” consent.
“Many Californians like to unwind after a long day by gaming on their cell phones. Even on apps, California law obligates companies to provide a way for consumers to opt-out of the sale and sharing of their personal data,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This process should be simple, transparent, and easy to navigate. My office is committed to the continued enforcement of the CCPA — including by ensuring that mobile gaming companies follow the law so consumers can exercise their right to protect their privacy.”
According to findings from the California Department of Justice’s investigation, Jam City did not offer CCPA-compliant opt-outs in any of its 21 mobile apps despite generating revenue through targeted advertising based on user data collected within those games. The investigation also determined that some Jam City games shared or sold data from children aged 13-16 without securing necessary consent as required under CCPA provisions for minors.
The CCPA grants California residents rights over how businesses collect and use their personal information. This includes knowing what information is collected and being able to request businesses stop selling or sharing it.
Attorney General Bonta has prioritized enforcing California’s privacy laws across several industries. In March, his office conducted an investigative sweep into companies handling location data by sending letters about potential violations of the CCPA involving advertising networks, app providers, and data brokers.
The agreement with Jam City marks the sixth enforcement action taken under the CCPA since its implementation. Recent settlements include agreements with streaming service Sling TV regarding insufficient privacy protections for children and inadequate consumer controls; Healthline Media LLC concerning online tracking technology; Tilting Point Media LLC related to children’s data collection; DoorDash regarding notice and opt-out opportunities; and Sephora over failures related to consumer disclosures and global privacy controls.
For further details about consumer rights under CCPA or reporting possible violations, individuals may visit oag.ca.gov/ccpa or submit complaints at oag.ca.gov/report.
“Many Californians like to unwind after a long day by gaming on their cell phones. Even on apps, California law obligates companies to provide a way for consumers to opt-out of the sale and sharing of their personal data,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This process should be simple, transparent, and easy to navigate. My office is committed to the continued enforcement of the CCPA — including by ensuring that mobile gaming companies follow the law so consumers can exercise their right to protect their privacy.”
A copy of both complaint documents related to this case are available online.
