why is epic games asking for my ssn
In recent years, the gaming industry has seen a massive surge in popularity, with millions of people around the world spending countless hours playing their favorite games. As the market for video games grows, so does the competition among companies to attract and retain players. One such company that has been making waves in the industry is Epic Games, the creators of popular games like fortnite -parental-controls-guide”>Fortnite and Gears of War. However, along with their success comes some controversy, particularly with their recent requirement of players to provide their Social Security Number (SSN) when creating an account. This move has raised concerns among players and sparked a debate about the company’s intentions. In this article, we will delve deeper into the reasons behind Epic Games’ request for SSN and explore the potential implications for players.
Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room – why is Epic Games asking for your SSN? The short answer is that they need it to verify your identity. As with any online service, there is always a risk of fraud and identity theft. By requesting your SSN, Epic Games is taking steps to ensure that the person creating an account is who they say they are. This is a common practice in the gaming industry, and many other companies, such as Blizzard and Steam, also require players to provide their SSN for identity verification purposes.
However, this explanation may not be enough to satisfy players who are concerned about their privacy and the safety of their personal information. The truth is, there is no way to guarantee 100% security when it comes to online transactions. Even with advanced security measures in place, hackers can still find ways to access sensitive information. In fact, in 2019, Epic Games suffered a massive data breach where hackers gained access to the personal information of millions of players, including their names, email addresses, and encrypted passwords. This incident has understandably made players wary of sharing their personal information with the company again.
So, why does Epic Games need your SSN specifically? The answer lies in their financial model. Epic Games is a free-to-play game developer, which means that their games are available to download and play for free. However, they make money through in-game purchases, where players can buy virtual items and currency using real money. In order to comply with federal and state laws, Epic Games is required to collect certain information from their customers, including their SSN, for tax purposes. This allows them to properly report and pay income taxes on the revenue they generate from in-game purchases. Without this information, they could face legal consequences and hefty fines.
Furthermore, Epic Games also uses player data for marketing and analytics purposes. By collecting personal information, they can better understand their player demographics, preferences, and spending habits. This allows them to tailor their marketing strategies and improve their games to cater to their target audience. While this may sound intrusive, it is a common practice among many companies, not just in the gaming industry but in all industries. However, the controversy lies in the fact that Epic Games is asking for players’ SSN, which is considered one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information.
Another reason why Epic Games may be requesting SSN is to prevent users from creating multiple accounts and exploiting the system. In the past, players have been known to create multiple accounts to take advantage of in-game promotions and discounts. By linking accounts to a player’s SSN, it makes it more difficult for them to create multiple accounts and cheat the system. This move can also help Epic Games in their fight against online trolls and hackers, who often create fake accounts to harass and disrupt the gaming experience for others.
Despite these reasons, many players still question the necessity of providing their SSN. Some argue that there are other ways to verify identity, such as using a government-issued ID or a credit card. However, these methods also have their drawbacks. Not everyone has a government-issued ID, and credit cards can be easily obtained by anyone with a decent credit score. Additionally, requiring an ID or credit card may not be as effective in preventing fraud and multiple accounts as an SSN.
Moreover, the requirement of SSN has raised concerns about the security of players’ personal information. While Epic Games claims to have strict security measures in place, many players are still skeptical, especially after the 2019 data breach. The fear of their information falling into the wrong hands is a valid concern, as SSN is often used for identity theft and other fraudulent activities. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that Epic Games will not share players’ data with third-party companies for marketing or other purposes.
In response to the backlash, Epic Games has clarified that they will not store players’ SSN on their servers. Instead, they will use a third-party service to verify the information and then discard it. However, this statement has done little to ease the concerns of players, who argue that there is still a risk of their information being compromised during the verification process. Additionally, many players are not comfortable with the idea of their information being shared with a third-party service, regardless of how secure it claims to be.
So, what are the implications of providing your SSN to Epic Games? The most obvious one is the risk of identity theft and fraud. If hackers were to gain access to players’ SSN, they could use it to open credit accounts, make purchases, and even file false tax returns. This could lead to financial loss and damage to players’ credit scores. Furthermore, the collection and sharing of personal information also raise concerns about privacy and the lack of control over how that information is used.
Another potential implication is the impact on minors. Many players of Epic Games’ popular title Fortnite are under the age of 18, and therefore, do not have an SSN. This means that they cannot create an account and play the game without the help of a parent or guardian. However, some parents may not feel comfortable sharing their child’s SSN with a gaming company, leading to a loss of potential players and revenue for Epic Games.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Epic Games’ request for SSN is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. On one hand, the company has legitimate reasons for needing the information, such as identity verification and tax compliance. On the other hand, players have a right to be concerned about the security and privacy of their personal data. As with any online transaction, there is always a risk of fraud and data breaches, and it is up to players to decide if the benefits of providing their SSN outweigh the potential risks. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of companies like Epic Games to prioritize the safety and privacy of their customers’ personal information and take measures to mitigate the risks associated with collecting and storing sensitive data.
catch a cheater iphone
In today’s digital age, cheating has become easier than ever. With the rise of social media and messaging apps, it has become effortless for people to connect with others and form romantic or sexual relationships outside of their committed ones. This has led to an increase in infidelity and a growing need for people to catch their cheating partners. And with the majority of people owning an iPhone, it has become the go-to device for cheaters. However, with the advancement of technology, there are now ways to catch a cheater using their iPhone. In this article, we will discuss the various methods and techniques that can be used to catch a cheater on an iPhone.
1. Use Spy Apps
One of the most effective ways to catch a cheater on an iPhone is by using spy apps. These apps can be easily installed on the target phone without the user’s knowledge, and they can provide access to all the information on the device, including text messages, call logs, social media activity, and even the phone’s location. There are various spy apps available in the market, such as mSpy, FlexiSPY, and Highster Mobile, to name a few. These apps can be downloaded from the App Store, and some of them require jailbreaking the iPhone for full functionality.
2. Check Call Logs and Messages
Another way to catch a cheater on an iPhone is by checking their call logs and messages. If your partner is cheating on you, they are likely to communicate with their lover through phone calls and text messages. You can go through their call logs and messages to see if there are any suspicious numbers or conversations. However, this method may not be foolproof as cheaters can delete their call history and messages to cover their tracks.
3. Look for Hidden or Deleted Apps
Cheaters often use hidden or deleted apps to communicate with their lovers. These apps can be disguised as something else, such as a calculator or a game. To catch a cheater on an iPhone, you can check the phone for any hidden or deleted apps. If you find any, it’s a red flag that your partner may be cheating on you.
4. Use Find My iPhone
Find My iPhone is a built-in feature on all Apple devices that allows you to locate a lost or stolen phone. However, this feature can also be used to catch a cheater. If your partner is cheating on you and you suspect they may be meeting their lover at a particular place, you can use Find My iPhone to track their location. This feature can also be used to see the location history of the device, which can reveal any suspicious places your partner may have visited.
5. Check Social Media Activity
Social media has become a popular platform for people to connect and form relationships. If your partner is cheating on you, they are likely to communicate with their lover through social media. You can check their social media activity to see if they have been messaging or interacting with someone in a suspicious manner. You can also check their tagged photos to see if they have been tagged in any photos with someone who is not you.
6. Install a Keylogger
A keylogger is a software that records every keystroke typed on a device. It can be used to track all the messages, passwords, and other information typed on the iPhone. Keyloggers can be installed on the target phone without the user’s knowledge, and they can provide valuable information about the user’s activities. However, like spy apps, some keyloggers may require jailbreaking the iPhone for full functionality.
7. Use a Fake Profile
Another way to catch a cheater on an iPhone is by creating a fake profile and trying to connect with them. You can create a social media account or a dating profile and try to connect with your partner. If they accept your request or start messaging you, it’s a clear indication that they may be cheating on you. However, this method may not always work, as your partner may not accept the request or may be careful not to reveal their true identity.
8. Look for Suspicious Photos or Videos
Cheaters often take photos or videos with their lovers to document their affair. You can check your partner’s phone for any suspicious photos or videos that may indicate they are cheating on you. You can also check the recently deleted folder, as some cheaters may forget to permanently delete these files.
9. Hire a Private Investigator
If you are not tech-savvy or don’t have access to your partner’s iPhone, you can hire a private investigator to catch a cheater. Private investigators have the skills and resources to gather evidence of infidelity. They can also provide a detailed report of their findings, which can be used in legal proceedings, if necessary.
10. Have a Conversation
Lastly, the most important thing you can do to catch a cheater on an iPhone is to have a conversation with your partner. Talk to them about your concerns and ask them directly if they are being unfaithful. While this may not provide concrete evidence, it can give you an idea of their behavior and whether they are hiding something from you.
In conclusion, catching a cheater on an iPhone is not an easy task, as they can take various measures to hide their infidelity. However, with the advancement of technology, there are now ways to gather evidence of cheating using their iPhone. If you suspect your partner of being unfaithful, it’s important to have a conversation with them and seek professional help if needed. Remember, trust and communication are the key elements of a healthy relationship, and if these are lacking, it may be time to reevaluate your relationship.