Borderlands 4, a highly anticipated release for 2025, is currently navigating challenges beyond its initial mixed reviews on Steam concerning PC optimization. The game has recently been hit by pervasive online rumors alleging the inclusion of spyware. These widespread accusations have prompted its publisher, Take-Two Interactive, to swiftly issue a public statement denying the claims.
The core of the controversy revolves around Borderlands 4`s kernel-level anti-cheat system, which some players have speculated was designed or modified to collect unauthorized data about users. Furthermore, the game`s updated terms of service were presented by critics as additional evidence that the game was engaging in player surveillance, intensifying the pressure on Take-Two to respond.
Addressing the allegations directly, a Take-Two spokesperson issued a statement via Steam, asserting: “Take-Two does not use spyware in its games.” The company further elaborated that its comprehensive Privacy Policy applies to all its labels, studios, games, and services across various platforms—including console, PC, mobile apps, and websites. While the policy outlines various data activities that *may* be collected, Take-Two stressed that this does not mean every single example is collected in every game or service.
Take-Two acknowledged that it does collect certain user information, but clarified that this is strictly “to deliver its services to players,” encompassing essential functions like personalization and compatibility options. The publisher maintains that its stance is one of transparency, with all such data collection practices fully disclosed to fans within its terms of service.
PC Gamer, a prominent gaming publication, observed that the latest surge of spyware concerns originated from “a misleading YouTube video.” This video reportedly incited a `game of telephone` regarding changes to the End-User License Agreement (EULA) across Reddit and other forum threads, culminating in a brief but largely ineffective `review bombing` campaign on Steam.
It`s not the first time Take-Two has faced such accusations; similar concerns regarding older titles from the company emerged earlier this summer, receiving an identical official denial. The publisher also clarified that recent updates to its terms of service are designed to combat “abusive mods” that infringe upon the company`s intellectual property, while simultaneously ensuring that single-player, non-commercial mods can still be freely distributed among fans.
In separate news addressing game performance, developer Gearbox has provided official links for optimizing NVIDIA graphics card settings and a comprehensive PC troubleshooting guide to assist players who are encountering technical difficulties with the game`s operation.