The potential sale of gaming giant Electronic Arts (EA) has raised serious concerns due to the company’s ownership of hundreds of millions of user data points. Experts warn that this sale, which could reach $55 billion, could pose a national security risk, especially if a foreign buyer is involved. Therefore, the sale process is expected to be closely scrutinized by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Why is the national security risk associated with the EA sale significant?

Electronic Arts stores the personal information, location data, and even biometric data of millions of players worldwide. The potential for such a large and sensitive database to fall under the control of a foreign government is a major concern, as this data could be misused for espionage and surveillance.

A player’s gaming habits, spending, and personal information may seem harmless at first glance. However, when this data is aggregated, it becomes quite easy to profile individuals. Furthermore, foreign intelligence agencies could use this information for blackmail or manipulation, potentially posing a direct threat to national security.

The data collection policies of apps like TikTok and Grindr have been brought to the attention of CFIUS in the past due to similar security concerns. While Electronic Arts doesn’t yet have a formal buyer, the presence of Chinese tech giants among potential suitors further fuels these concerns. This situation further demonstrates the critical importance of data security in the gaming industry.

So, what are your thoughts on the potential for data collected by gaming companies to become a national security concern? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!