The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) is prioritizing the protection of children and young people in online spaces, focusing on creating a safe and transparent environment. GVH President Csaba Balázs Rigó has sent an informative letter to various domestic video game associations and developers, highlighting the guidelines published by the European Union's Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) and the key principles outlined within.

On March 21, the CPC, which includes consumer protection authorities from the EU, including the GVH, released guidelines aimed at promoting transparency and fairness in the online gaming industry, particularly concerning virtual currencies. These guidelines establish several core principles regarding the purchase and use of virtual currencies.

Key principles include the necessity for clear and transparent pricing practices and pre-contractual information, avoiding practices that obscure the costs of in-game digital content and services, ensuring consumers' right to withdraw, and respecting the vulnerabilities of consumers, especially children.

President Rigó's letter aims to raise awareness of these principles among the relevant organizations, thereby increasing player awareness and consumer protection knowledge while fostering a reliable online gaming environment. Previously, the national competition authority had also highlighted deceptive practices and risks associated with mobile and desktop video games through its educational campaign, 'Think Calmly.'

For more information, the GVH website features a section under 'Think Calmly' that provides useful insights related to video and mobile games, among other topics.