why is epic games asking for parental permission

Epic Games is a popular American video game and software development company known for creating some of the most successful games in recent years. Some of their most famous titles include fortnite -parental-controls-guide”>Fortnite , Gears of War, and the Infinity Blade series. With a large and loyal fan base, Epic Games has become a household name in the gaming industry. However, the company has recently come under fire for requiring parental permission for certain actions within their games. This has raised several questions and concerns among both parents and gamers. In this article, we will explore why Epic Games is asking for parental permission and what it means for the gaming community.

To fully understand the situation, we must first look at the laws and regulations surrounding online gaming and the protection of minors. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of children and teenagers playing online games. This has led to concerns about their safety and well-being in the virtual world. As a result, governments and organizations have implemented laws and guidelines to protect minors from potential harm. One such law is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which was enacted in 1998 by the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

COPPA requires websites and online services to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information from children under the age of 13. This includes names, email addresses, and other identifying information. The purpose of this law is to protect children’s privacy and prevent them from disclosing sensitive information online without their parents’ knowledge and consent. This applies to online gaming platforms as well, as they also collect personal information from their users.

Epic Games, like many other online gaming companies, is required to comply with COPPA. This means that they must obtain parental consent before collecting any personal information from children under 13. However, the company has taken a step further by also requiring parental permission for certain in-game actions. This has caused some confusion and backlash from both parents and gamers.

One of the main reasons why Epic Games is asking for parental permission is to comply with COPPA and ensure the safety of their younger players. By obtaining parental consent, the company can verify that a child’s parent or guardian is aware of their online activities and can monitor them accordingly. This is especially important in games like Fortnite, which has a large number of young players.

Another reason for this requirement is to prevent children from making unauthorized purchases within the game. In-game purchases, also known as microtransactions, have become a common feature in many online games. They allow players to buy virtual items or currency using real money. However, young children may not fully understand the concept of spending real money in a virtual world, and may make purchases without their parents’ knowledge. By requiring parental permission, Epic Games is ensuring that only authorized purchases are made within their games.

Furthermore, this requirement also serves as a safeguard against potential scams and fraud within the game. With the rise of online gaming and virtual economies, there has also been an increase in fraudulent activities targeting young players. By obtaining parental consent, Epic Games can verify the identity of the player and prevent them from being scammed or exploited.

However, the requirement for parental permission has faced criticism from some parents and gamers. One of the main concerns is that it may limit children’s independence and hinder their gaming experience. Some parents argue that they should be able to trust their children to make responsible decisions and not have to constantly monitor their online activities. On the other hand, some gamers feel that this requirement is unnecessary and intrusive, as they are already required to provide their date of birth when creating an account.

Another concern is the potential for delays in obtaining parental consent. Due to the increasing popularity of online gaming, there may be a high volume of requests for parental permission, which could result in delays and frustration for players. This could also be a disadvantage for young players who may not have access to their parents or guardians during the day.

To address these concerns, Epic Games has implemented a system where players can provide parental permission through email, text message, or a phone call. This makes the process quicker and more convenient for both parents and players. The company has also stated that they are constantly working to improve the system and make it more user-friendly.

Despite the backlash, it is important to understand that Epic Games is simply following the law and trying to create a safe and secure environment for their players, especially minors. The requirement for parental permission is a necessary step in protecting children’s privacy and preventing potential harm. It also encourages parents to be more involved in their children’s online activities, which can lead to open and honest communication about online safety.

In conclusion, the reason why Epic Games is asking for parental permission is to comply with COPPA and ensure the safety of their younger players. While this requirement may have its drawbacks, it is a necessary step in protecting children’s privacy and preventing potential harm. As online gaming continues to evolve and attract a younger audience, it is important for companies like Epic Games to prioritize the safety and well-being of their players. By working together, we can create a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience for everyone.

why are people putting numbers on snapchat stories

Snapchat , a popular social media platform, has become a staple in the lives of many people, especially the younger generation. With its unique features such as disappearing messages, fun filters, and the ability to share stories, it has gained a massive following since its launch in 2011. However, in recent times, users have noticed a new trend emerging on the app – people putting numbers on their Snapchat stories. This seemingly random act has left many users wondering what the purpose behind it is. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this trend and try to understand why people are putting numbers on their Snapchat stories.

To begin with, it is essential to understand what Snapchat stories are and how they work. Stories on Snapchat are a way for users to share photos and videos with their followers that disappear after 24 hours. Users can add captions, stickers, and filters to their stories, making them more engaging and interactive. The feature has become immensely popular, with over 500 million stories being shared on the app every day.

Now, coming back to the main question – why are people putting numbers on their Snapchat stories? The answer to this lies in the platform’s algorithm and the user’s desire to gain more views and engagement on their stories. Snapchat’s algorithm works in a way that shows stories to users based on their level of engagement with that particular user. This means that if a user regularly views, comments, and interacts with a specific user’s story, they are more likely to see that user’s story on their feed. This has led to users coming up with creative ways to increase their story views, and one such way is by putting numbers on their stories.

Putting numbers on Snapchat stories has become a popular tactic for users to gain more views and engagement on their stories. The idea behind this is that by adding numbers, users will be curious about the meaning behind them and will be more likely to click on the story to find out. This, in turn, increases the story’s view count, making it more visible to a broader audience.

But why numbers specifically? Well, numbers have always been a powerful tool in capturing people’s attention. Whether it’s a countdown to an event or a list of top things, numbers have a way of making people stop scrolling and take notice. This holds true for Snapchat stories as well. By adding numbers, users are creating a sense of urgency and curiosity, making their followers more likely to click on their story.

Another reason behind the numbers trend on Snapchat stories is its similarity to a popular marketing strategy – clickbait. Clickbait is a term used to describe content that is designed to attract attention and encourage people to click on it. By using numbers on their stories, users are creating a sense of clickbait, making their followers curious about the content and more likely to click on it. This is a common tactic used by influencers and businesses on social media to increase their engagement and reach.

Moreover, the numbers trend on Snapchat stories also serves as a way for users to track their engagement and reach on the app. As mentioned earlier, Snapchat’s algorithm works based on a user’s level of engagement with a particular account. By adding numbers on their stories, users can track how many people are viewing their content and use it as a metric to measure their success on the platform. This can be especially useful for businesses and influencers who rely on social media to promote their products or services.

Another reason for the numbers trend on Snapchat stories is the element of competition. With social media becoming a crucial part of our lives, users are constantly looking for ways to stand out and gain more followers and engagement. The numbers trend has become a way for users to compete with their friends and followers, as they try to come up with creative and unique ways to incorporate numbers into their stories. It has become a game of sorts, with users trying to outdo each other and gain the most views and engagement on their stories.

Furthermore, numbers on Snapchat stories have also become a way for users to showcase their personality and creativity. With the platform’s various features such as filters, stickers, and text, users can use numbers to add a personal touch to their stories. For example, a user may use numbers to create a countdown to their birthday or a special event, making their followers feel more connected to them. It also allows users to showcase their creativity and come up with unique ways to incorporate numbers into their stories, making it more visually appealing and engaging for their followers.

In addition to these reasons, another factor that has contributed to the numbers trend on Snapchat stories is the fear of missing out (FOMO). FOMO is a feeling of anxiety or unease that arises when a person feels like they are missing out on a social event or experience. With Snapchat being a platform where content disappears after 24 hours, users may feel like they are missing out on something exciting if they don’t click on a story with numbers. This fear of missing out can be a powerful motivator for users to click on a story, even if they may not be interested in the content.

However, like any trend, the numbers trend on Snapchat stories has also received its fair share of criticism. Some users feel that it is a cheap tactic to gain views and engagement, and it takes away from the authenticity of the platform. Others argue that it adds clutter to their feed, making it difficult to see content from people they genuinely want to follow. Additionally, some users have also expressed their frustration with constantly seeing the same numbers trend on their feed and have even gone as far as to mute or unfollow accounts that use this tactic.

In conclusion, the numbers trend on Snapchat stories has become a popular way for users to increase their views and engagement on the platform. It is a creative and effective marketing strategy that has been adopted by many users, especially businesses and influencers. However, like any trend, it has also faced criticism from users who feel that it takes away from the authenticity of the platform. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing is for sure – the numbers trend on Snapchat stories is here to stay.

how long does a snap story last

Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years, with over 265 million daily active users as of Q2 2020. One of the key features of Snapchat is the ability to create and share “stories” with friends and followers. But how long do these stories actually last? In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Snapchat stories and explore the various factors that can affect their duration.

First, it’s important to understand what a Snapchat story is. Essentially, it is a collection of photos and videos that a user can post to their profile. These stories are visible to all of the user’s followers and remain on their profile for a certain period of time before disappearing.

So, how long does a Snapchat story last? The short answer is 24 hours. When a user posts a story, it will remain on their profile for 24 hours from the time it was posted. After this time period, the story will automatically disappear and will no longer be visible to anyone. This is the default duration for a Snapchat story, but there are a few factors that can affect how long a story lasts.

One of the main factors that can affect the duration of a Snapchat story is the user’s settings. Users have the option to change the default 24-hour duration to a shorter or longer time period. For example, a user can choose to have their stories last for only 1 hour or for as long as 48 hours. To change the duration of their stories, a user can go to their settings and select “Snapchat” and then “Story” where they can adjust the duration to their desired time period.

Another factor that can affect the duration of a Snapchat story is the “Memories” feature. Memories allow users to save their stories to a private album within the app. This means that even after the 24-hour period, the story will still be visible to the user in their Memories. However, the story will no longer be visible to their followers. This feature is great for users who want to save their stories for personal use or for those who want to share them again in the future.

Additionally, Snapchat offers the option for users to manually delete their stories before the 24-hour period is up. This can be done by clicking on the story and selecting the “Delete” option. This is useful for users who may have posted something they no longer want to be visible or for those who have set their story duration to a longer time period and want to remove it sooner.

It’s also worth mentioning that Snapchat stories can be viewed multiple times by both the user and their followers. This means that even after the initial 24-hour period, a user can still view their own story as long as they haven’t deleted it. However, it’s important to note that once a story is deleted, it cannot be retrieved.

Another interesting aspect of Snapchat stories is the “My Eyes Only” feature. This allows users to save their stories to a private folder within their Memories. The stories in this folder are protected by a passcode, making them more secure. This is a great feature for users who want to save sensitive or personal stories without having them visible to all of their followers.

In addition to the default 24-hour duration, Snapchat also offers a feature called “Extended time” for stories. This feature allows users to extend the duration of a story for an additional 24 hours. This can be done by clicking on the story and selecting “Extended time” from the menu. The extended time feature is only available for certain types of stories, such as videos, so it’s important for users to keep this in mind when posting.

Snapchat also has a unique feature called “Snap Map” that can affect the duration of a story. Snap Map allows users to share their location with their friends and see where their friends are on a map. When a user posts a story, their location will be shown on the map for the duration of the story. This means that if a user has their story duration set to 24 hours, their location will be visible on the map for that time period as well.

Another factor that can affect the duration of a Snapchat story is the “Do Not Disturb” feature. This feature allows users to mute notifications from certain friends or groups for a specific period of time. If a user has their story duration set to 24 hours and they have enabled the “Do Not Disturb” feature, their story will still last for 24 hours, but the notifications for that story will be muted for the duration of the “Do Not Disturb” period.

It’s also important to note that Snapchat stories are not just limited to the 24-hour duration. There is also a feature called “Spotlight” which allows users to submit their stories to be featured on the app’s “Discover” page. These stories can last for longer periods of time, depending on how popular they are and how long Snapchat chooses to feature them. This is a great way for users to gain more exposure and potentially have their story last longer than the typical 24-hour period.

In conclusion, the duration of a Snapchat story is primarily determined by the user’s settings, but there are also features such as Memories, My Eyes Only, Extended Time, Snap Map, and Do Not Disturb that can affect how long a story lasts. Whether a user chooses to keep their stories for the default 24 hours, extend them, or save them to their Memories, Snapchat offers plenty of options for users to customize their story experience. With its constantly evolving features, it’s safe to say that Snapchat stories will continue to be a popular and engaging way for users to share their daily moments with friends and followers.