EA's Origin client might be showing your real name online, even if you deactivated the feature.
According to a Reddit post by user Legendairr (and Dutch website 4gamers.be), some Origin users who had initially deactivated the 'show real name' privacy setting on the client are finding the feature has recently been activated automatically – allowing other online users to see their real name rather than their nickname.
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How do you hide your real name on Origin?
So how do you know if your real name can be seen on Origin? And how do you turn it off if you would rather people didn't see it?
In the Origin client, click 'Origin' then 'EA Account and Billing'. Choose to open your 'My Account' page in a browser window. Then select 'Privacy Settings'.
You'll then see a 'Who can see my profile' option. In the drop-down menu you can choose if your Origin profile is viewable to just friends, no one or everyone.
But you'll also see a 'Show my real name on my profile' setting. If you want to allow people to see your real name, tick the box beside this setting – be warned, though, that this will allow anyone who sees your profile to see your real name.
If you don't want anyone seeing your real name then make sure this box is unticked.
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As EA hasn't officially announced it would be changing this default privacy setting, many users expressed concern over the change, with some claiming it's a breach of the GDPR data regulations.
TechRadar has reached out to EA for comment, and we'll update this story if we receive a response.
Check out EA Help for more information on updating your Origin privacy settings and email preferences.
An award-winning games journalist, with seven years of experience in games journalism and a degree in journalism from City University, London, Vic brings experience from IGN, Eurogamer, The Telegraph, VG247, Dot Esports and more to the TechRadar table. You may have even heard her on the radio or speaking on a panel, as she’s previously appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5, BBC Radio Ulster and more. Not only is Vic passionate about games, but she's appeared on both panels and podcasts to discuss mental health awareness. Make sure to follow her on Twitter for more.