Understanding GDPR: new game from the JRC

The JRC has just launched a mobile game to help raise awareness of privacy risks and data protection rights in a fun and interactive way.

'Cyber Chronix' has a special focus on the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into effect across all EU Member States on 25 May 2018.

Players are taken to a futuristic planet several light years from Earth. The aim is to help their character to make it to a party, while they encounter several data protection-related obstacles along the way.

As players progress through the game, they have to make several choices that will affect the storyline and eventual outcome.

The game is designed to introduce young people to concepts including the notion of personal data, the right to be forgotten, personal data breaches, the right to data portability and informed consent.

While Cyber Chronix is primarily aimed at young people, the content and gameplay experience can be interesting and fun for adults too.

The game, available in English, French and Italian, can be downloaded on Android-operated devices , with iOS version coming soon.

Background

As of May 2018, with the entry into application of the General Data Protection Regulation, there is one set of data protection rules for all companies operating in the EU, wherever they are based.

Stronger rules on data protection mean people have more control over their personal data. They also mean businesses benefit from a level playing field.

In the context of its work on digital privacy and data protection, JRC scientists have developed this interactive game to employing edutainment tools to raise awareness about data protection and illustrate some of the fundamentals of the GDPR to youngsters.

The design of Cyber Chronix takes some inspiration from Happy Onlife, a game developed by the JRC in 2017 to build and develop safety and knowledge on Internet use, overuse and abuse.