Genshin Impact Privacy Policy quietly changed after revealing voice data used for AI training

Hoyoverse Removes Controversial Privacy Policy Clause

Genshin Impact's privacy policy sparked concern among players after revealing that voice chat data could be collected for AI model training. The clause, which appeared in the policy last published in January 2025, has since been quietly removed by developer Hoyoverse, formerly known as MiHoYo 1

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. The discovery came when Bluesky user Cevian spotted changes made as recently as January 14, 2026, to the document that governs how the popular free-to-play game handles player information 2

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Section 1, subsection XVIII of the Genshin Impact privacy policy previously stated that voice communication data from voice-based chat functions could be processed for multiple purposes, including providing communication services, maintaining service security and stability, content moderation, and complying with applicable laws and regulations 1

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. This subsection has since been removed entirely from the document.

Data Collection Practices and User Consent Issues

What particularly troubled Genshin Impact players concerned about the policy was the opt-out structure rather than opt-in approach to data collection. Section 2 of the privacy policy, titled 'why we collect and process your personal data,' explicitly mentions using user-generated input such as chat data to train and improve the model that powers services within the game 1

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. The policy states users can opt-out of model training anytime in service-related settings, with assurances that opting out will not affect existing gameplay.

The concern mirrors recent controversy surrounding Microsoft Copilot Gaming AI, which faced backlash for implementing an on-by-default feature that appeared to record gameplay without sufficient user consent 2

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. The automatic nature of these features, requiring manual intervention to disable, raises questions about transparency in how companies handle sensitive personal information like voice recordings.

MiHoYo's Embrace of Generative AI Technology

Hoyoverse has been transparent about integrating generative AI into its development pipeline. Late last year, MiHoYo released a teaser for an upcoming Unreal Engine 5 MMO project that prominently featured generative AI technology 1

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. This mysterious project promises an "Artificial Intelligence Stimulated Eco System," All-Terrain Battle AI, and "Intellectual NPC" features, signaling the company's commitment to AI-powered gaming experiences.

While the removed subsection referenced using voice communication data for legitimate purposes like customer support and moderation efforts, the lack of clarity about whether this extended to training internal generative AI models fueled player anxiety 2

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. The clause removal suggests Hoyoverse recognized the sensitivity surrounding voice data collection, though questions remain about what prompted the change and whether any voice chat data was previously collected under this policy. Both Eurogamer and other outlets have contacted Hoyoverse for comment on exactly what users' voice communication data was being used for and why the subsection was removed 1

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. As generative AI remains a contentious topic in the gaming industry, players are increasingly scrutinizing how their personal data feeds into AI development, making transparency and user consent critical factors for maintaining trust.