14 DAY TRIAL // UPDATE: Overwolf CEO Uri Marchand explains that despite some anonymous data being collected, such information is not used for targeted ads. Marchand emphasizes that the app overlay is offered as an opt in, and not as an opt out.
Overwolf doesn't harvest data by any means, and it only collects the same data as other software, including here Twitch, for example, the CEO confirms.
"The TeamSpeak integration has no ads. So, if you install Overwolf + TeamSpeak app on Overwolf, you'll never see an ad, and no such data will be collected. Some developers on Overwolf choose to place in-app ads inside their app. Overwolf provides them the framework to do so, and monitors that the experience is not intrusive," Marchand told us.
The company provides a closer look at how the data collection process works in a detailed post here. Original story below.
The Overwolf in-game overlay that is bundled with the TeamSpeak installer allegedly collects user information, including usage statistics, that is then uploaded to the parent company’s servers for targeted ads.
TeamSpeak, which allows gamers to chat while playing games, offers Overwolf as an optional install, and the add-on is promoted as “the official TeamSpeak overlay, by Overwolf,” as pointed in the attached screenshot of the installer.
However, in addition to creating an overlay in TeamSpeak, Overwolf also allegedly collects information that is then used for targeted ads, including data regarding the games that users play on their devices.
Shay Zeldis, Marketing Communications & Project Management at Overwolf, insists users can opt out of data collection before the installation of the client. Furthermore, no personal data is collected, and all details are anonymized and “kept as statistical usage data.”
“We can never tell what YOU are playing, just what games are played by what %% of currently online players,” Zeldis explains.
“It is definitely about the $$ (and no shame in it)- revenues for independent creators that rely on Overwolf,” he continued.
Collected user data
While few details have been provided about the data that is collected about Overwolf, a closer look at the privacy policy paints a clearer about what happens when installing the client or using the services with the data sharing option activated (emphasis is ours):
“When you download our client and/or register, we collect Personal Data provided by you, such as your username, email address and profile picture. If you register through a third party log-in/ account registration service (such as Facebook, Gmail, etc.), we collect your basic profile information from such third-party log-in/account registration service and your profile picture.
We also collect Personal Data when you use the Services, such as games you played, language preference, referring site, pages viewed and the order of those pages etc, or contact us with questions or complaints. When you visit our Site and/or use the Services, we automatically collect your IP address, operating system, connected device, hardware details and other information about your use of the Site and/or Services. We can receive aggregated data containing impressions, revenue, video stats, as well as confirmation of user completions.”
The same privacy policy points out that the data could be shared with “business partners” (again, emphasis is ours):
“We share the Personal Data we collect with our service providers and subcontractors who assist us in the operation of the Services and process the information on our behalf and under our instructions, as well as with our business partners and affiliates who may offer you products and services, based on your preferences (if you indicate your desire to receive these).”
Zeldis insists that users are always in full control of the data collection process, and reviewing their original settings is possible at any moment.
“If you did choose to opt in to data collection, you can still opt out at any moment and review the full list of data partners and exchanges we work with through our privacy settings,” he concluded.
While all these terms are included in the EULA and the privacy policy, the question is how many users actually end up reading them to make an informed decision. Making data harvesting clearer could be one way to resolve this, especially when user information is involved.