For indie developers working solo on a game, compliance with regulations might be the last thing on your mind. You must finish writing the code, design the game mechanics, and run countless tests to ensure the game is enjoyable. However, compliance is often mandatory, especially regarding child safety, which grows more complex as regulations evolve worldwide.
A startup called k-ID aims to simplify this compliance process. It recently secured US$45 million in a Series A funding round to develop its platform, which helps game developers comply with child safety and data privacy regulations. Leading the funding round were Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed Venture Partners. Other participants included Okta, Z Venture Capital (a joint venture between SoftBank and Naver), and existing investors Konvoy Ventures and TIRTA Ventures. This latest round brings k-ID's total funding to US$51 million.
Simplifying the compliance journey
Kieran Donovan, CEO and co-founder of k-ID, shared insights into their mission with TechCrunch. Donovan, a former partner at the law firm Latham & Watkins, where he advised tech and gaming companies for over a decade, stated, “The challenge our technology addresses — what you can do with a child once they enter an online world — is currently managed manually by lawyers and engineers.” Over the past few years, a significant part has involved assisting game publishers in creating youth experiences and family tools to navigate regulatory complexities.
The gaming industry is at a pivotal moment, with an increasing number of young players connecting to the internet. As developers and publishers aim for a global audience, they must ensure their games comply with diverse regional laws. This compliance requires substantial time and effort.
How k-ID works
k-ID offers game developers and publishers access to its solutions through APIs or, for mobile platforms, an SDK (software development kit). The product integrates with the game, helping developers quickly tailor it to meet the compliance requirements of various markets. Donovan explained that k-ID's software includes single sign-on for kids and allows a child's guardian to scan a QR code to unlock specific features that may require parental approval. The software can also automatically adjust which parts of a game a child can access, considering local regulations and cultural differences.
“For parents, it's a unified console to manage and engage with their child's gaming,” said Donovan. Additionally, guardians can approve or deny access to AI content or tools a child might encounter in a game.
Partnering with ESRB
Alongside the Series A funding, k-ID partnered with ESRB for its Privacy Certified program. This partnership will enable k-ID's customers to obtain the ESRB Privacy Certified Kids Seal, adding an extra layer of trust and compliance.
Donovan noted, “Today, there's probably no space more complex than the regulation that applies to kids and teens online. Whether it's chat, algorithms, content, loot boxes, or even the definition of a child (which can range from under seven to under 21, depending on the country), there's a lot to navigate.”
This latest funding and the partnership with ESRB position k-ID as a critical player in helping game developers navigate the intricate landscape of child safety regulations, ensuring safer online gaming experiences for young audiences worldwide.
