The PokerStars website states, "Your privacy on the Internet is very important to PokerStars and its owner and operator, Rational Entertainment Enterprises Limited. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of the personal information collected by us in order to allow you to enjoy playing poker online at PokerStars, by safeguarding it utilizing the best in class software and hardware architecture, techniques, methods and procedures."
However, numerous players on various online poker sites have recently begun lodging complaints on forums and with the sites themselves regarding the possible sharing of their personal information. Specifically, PokerStars players have voiced concerns about other sites being allowed to view their PokerStars information, and they worry that opponents know their ROI/profitability statistics. PokerStars has vehemently denied that any of this is happening but chose to validate the concerns of their players by taking positive steps to further ensure the privacy of such information and ease the minds of their players.
According to Stephen Winters, who identified himself on the 2+2 forums as Stephen W., the Senior Manager of PokerStars Game Security, "It is worth underlining at this point that the sites in question are collecting data without the express permission of PokerStars or the players themselves. Unlike many brick and mortar poker rooms, we do not ask our players to agree to any terms waiving their right to privacy when they enter a PokerStars tournament."
In the hopes of satisfying customers with varying concerns about privacy, the staff has set up a process wherein the customer is allowed to choose to share information if they prefer to do so. Stephen explains, "According to our new policy, players who are happy to have any data or statistics displayed about them (including ROI) can opt-in to a service. Those who have no objection to their cashes being displayed (but not more detailed statistics) need to do nothing. Those players who wish to have no information shared about them whatsoever can opt-out."
While acknowledging that there may be technical solutions to the issue, PokerStars is hoping that the opt-in and opt-out service will suffice. However, if the need for further action becomes apparent, they are willing to take the necessary steps to increase security.