epic games asking for ssn

In the world of online gaming, Epic Games has become a household name. With popular titles such as Fortnite and Gears of War, the company has gained a massive following of loyal fans. However, in recent years, Epic Games has faced some controversy and criticism for its request for players’ Social Security Numbers (SSN). This practice has raised concerns about privacy and security, leaving many wondering why Epic Games is asking for this sensitive information.

In order to fully understand the issue at hand, we must first delve into the history of Epic Games and its rise to success. The company was founded in 1991 by Tim Sweeney, a computer science student at the University of Maryland. Sweeney’s passion for game development led him to create his own company, which initially focused on creating games for the PC platform.

Epic Games gained widespread recognition in 1998 with the release of its first major title, Unreal. This first-person shooter game was a huge success, selling over a million copies and solidifying Epic Games’ presence in the gaming industry. The company continued to create popular games such as Gears of War and Infinity Blade, but it wasn’t until the release of Fortnite in 2017 that Epic Games truly became a household name.

Fortnite quickly took the gaming world by storm, with its unique blend of building and battle royale gameplay. The game’s popularity skyrocketed, amassing millions of players and generating billions of dollars in revenue for Epic Games. However, with this success came increased scrutiny and criticism, particularly in regards to the company’s request for players’ SSN.

The controversy surrounding Epic Games’ request for SSN first gained attention in 2018, when a Reddit user shared a screenshot of the company’s support page, which stated that players may be asked to provide their SSN for tax purposes. This sparked a heated debate among players, with many expressing concerns about the security of their personal information.

In response to the backlash, Epic Games released a statement explaining that the company collects SSN for tax purposes in accordance with U.S. law. The statement also emphasized that the SSN is encrypted and stored securely, and is only accessed by a limited number of authorized personnel.

While this may have eased some players’ concerns, the request for SSN continued to be a hot topic in the gaming community. Many argued that Epic Games could use alternative methods for tax purposes, such as asking for players’ addresses or using a third-party payment system. So why does Epic Games insist on collecting SSN?

One possible reason is that Epic Games is required by law to collect SSN in order to report earnings to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As a U.S. based company, Epic Games must comply with tax regulations set by the government. This means that any player who earns a certain amount of money through the game must be reported to the IRS, and their SSN is needed for this process.

Another reason could be to prevent fraud and ensure the security of players’ accounts. With the rise of hacking and online scams, Epic Games may see collecting SSN as a way to verify players’ identities and protect their accounts from fraudulent activity. By requiring SSN, the company can ensure that players are who they claim to be and prevent unauthorized access to their accounts.

However, despite these reasons, many players are still hesitant to provide their SSN to Epic Games. This is understandable, as the potential risk of identity theft and fraud is a valid concern. In response to this, Epic Games has implemented two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts, which adds an extra layer of security and helps prevent unauthorized access.

Additionally, the company has stated that SSN is not required for all players, but only for those who earn a certain amount of money through the game. This means that casual players who do not earn a significant amount may not be asked for their SSN at all.

It’s also worth noting that Epic Games is not the only company in the gaming industry that collects SSN. Other popular games such as World of Warcraft and League of Legends also require players to provide their SSN for tax purposes. This practice is not uncommon in the business world, as many companies use SSN as a means of identifying employees and reporting earnings to the government.

In conclusion, while the request for SSN may seem invasive and unnecessary, it is a legal requirement for Epic Games to collect this information for tax purposes. However, the company has taken steps to ensure the security of players’ personal information and has provided alternative methods of securing accounts, such as 2FA. Ultimately, it is up to each individual player to decide whether or not they feel comfortable providing their SSN to Epic Games.

how to block hackers from my android phone

In today’s digital age, our smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives. We use them for communication, entertainment, and even managing our personal and financial information. However, with the increasing use of smartphones, the risk of cyber attacks and hacking has also risen. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to access sensitive information from our devices, and it is crucial to take measures to protect our Android phones from these threats. In this article, we will discuss effective ways to block hackers from your Android phone.

1. Keep your phone’s software and apps up to date
The first step in protecting your Android phone from hackers is to ensure that your device’s software and apps are always up to date. Manufacturers and developers regularly release security updates to fix any vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. By keeping your phone updated, you are reducing the chances of hackers gaining access to your device.

2. Use a strong password
When setting up your Android phone, you are prompted to create a password or PIN to secure your device. It is crucial to choose a strong and unique password that is not easy to guess. Avoid using common passwords such as your birthdate or 1234. You can also use a biometric authentication method, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, for an added layer of security.

3. Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they also pose a significant risk to your device’s security. Hackers can intercept your internet traffic and access your personal information, such as passwords and credit card details. If possible, avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.

4. Install a reliable antivirus app
Antivirus apps are designed to detect and remove malware and other malicious software from your device. They can also protect your phone from phishing attacks, where hackers try to trick you into giving away your personal information. Make sure to install a reputable antivirus app and regularly run scans to keep your device safe from any potential threats.

5. Be cautious of suspicious links and attachments
Hackers often use social engineering techniques to trick users into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. These links and attachments can contain malware that can compromise your device’s security. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious when opening emails, messages, or social media posts from unknown senders. If something looks suspicious, avoid clicking on it or opening the attachment.

6. Use a virtual private network (VPN)
A VPN is a secure connection that encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and access your data. It also hides your IP address, making it challenging for hackers to track your online activities. You can use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks or when accessing sensitive information on your phone.

7. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional security measure that requires users to provide two forms of identification before accessing their accounts. It adds an extra layer of security and makes it challenging for hackers to gain access to your accounts. Many apps and websites offer 2FA, and it is recommended to enable it whenever possible.

8. Be careful when downloading apps
The Google Play Store is the primary source of apps for Android devices. However, it is not entirely free from malicious apps that can compromise your device’s security. To protect your phone from such apps, make sure to only download from trusted sources and read reviews and ratings before downloading any app. It is also crucial to review the permissions requested by the app before installing it.

9. Disable unnecessary features
Many Android devices come with pre-installed features that you may not use regularly. These features can be potential entry points for hackers to access your device. Therefore, it is crucial to disable any features that you do not use, such as Bluetooth, NFC, and location services, to minimize the risk of a cyber attack.

10. Backup your device regularly
In case your device does get hacked, having a backup can save you from losing all your important data. Make sure to regularly backup your device’s data to a secure location, such as a cloud storage service or an external hard drive. This way, even if you fall victim to a hack, you can easily restore your data and minimize the damage.

In conclusion, hacking has become a prevalent threat to our smartphones, and it is crucial to take necessary measures to protect our devices from these attacks. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can significantly reduce the risk of your Android phone getting hacked. Remember to always stay vigilant and be cautious when using your device to keep your personal information safe and secure.

how to block a website on chrome

Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers in the world, with millions of users worldwide. While it offers a seamless browsing experience, there may be times when you want to block certain websites on Chrome. Whether you want to restrict access to inappropriate content or eliminate distractions, blocking a website on Chrome is a simple and effective solution. In this article, we will discuss various methods to block a website on Chrome and how to use them effectively.

Before we delve into the methods, it is essential to understand why you would want to block a website on Chrome. The reasons may vary from person to person, but the most common ones include protecting children from accessing inappropriate content, eliminating distractions while working or studying, restricting access to social media, or blocking malicious websites that may harm your computer. Whatever may be the reason, blocking a website on Chrome can help you achieve your goal.

Now, let’s look at the different methods to block a website on Chrome. The good news is that you don’t need any technical expertise to block a website, and the process is relatively simple. The first method is to use the built-in parental control feature on Chrome. This feature allows you to set up a supervised user account for your child, where you can manage their browsing activities and restrict access to certain websites. To use this feature, you need to have a Google account, and your child must have a Google account linked to yours.

To set up a supervised user account, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 2: From the drop-down menu, select “Settings.”

Step 3: Scroll down and click on “Advanced” to expand the settings.

Step 4: Under the “People” section, click on “Manage other people.”

Step 5: Click on “Add person” and enter the name of the person you want to supervise.

Step 6: Click on “Add” and then “Confirm.”

Step 7: Now, you can customize the settings for the supervised user account, including blocking specific websites.

To block a website, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your Google account and open the supervised user account you want to manage.

Step 2: Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select “Settings.”

Step 3: Scroll down and click on “Advanced.”

Step 4: Under the “Privacy and security” section, click on “Site settings.”

Step 5: Under the “Permissions” section, click on “Block” next to the “Allow” option.

Step 6: Enter the URL of the website you want to block and click “Add.”

Repeat these steps for any other websites you want to block. Once done, the supervised user will not be able to access these websites on Chrome.

Another way to block a website on Chrome is by using extensions. There are various extensions available on the Chrome Web Store that allow you to block websites based on your preferences. One such popular extension is “StayFocusd,” which limits the amount of time you can spend on specific websites. You can also block websites entirely using this extension. To use StayFocusd, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store.

Step 2: Search for “StayFocusd” and click on “Add to Chrome” to install the extension.

Step 3: Once installed, click on the StayFocusd icon in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 4: Click on “Block sites” and enter the URL of the website you want to block.

Step 5: Click “Save” to block the website.

Repeat these steps for any other websites you want to block. You can also set a time limit for specific websites using the “Max Time Allowed” option in the StayFocusd settings.

If you are looking for a more comprehensive solution to block websites on Chrome, you can use third-party software or apps. These tools offer advanced features and allow you to block websites, set time limits, and monitor browsing activities. Some popular options include “Net Nanny,” “Qustodio,” and “Kaspersky Safe Kids.” These software and apps require a subscription and offer a free trial period for you to test their features and see if they meet your needs.

Apart from using parental control features and extensions, you can also block a website on Chrome by editing the “Hosts” file on your computer. This method is suitable for advanced users, and it involves modifying system files. Before proceeding, it is essential to note that any changes made to the “Hosts” file will affect all browsers on your computer, not just Chrome.

To edit the “Hosts” file, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open File Explorer and go to “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.”

Step 2: Right-click on the “Hosts” file and select “Open with.”

Step 3: Choose “Notepad” from the list of programs.

Step 4: Scroll to the bottom of the file and add the following line: “127.0.0.1 www.example.com” (replace “www.example.com” with the URL of the website you want to block).

Step 5: Save the changes and close the file.

Now, when you or anyone else tries to access the blocked website on Chrome, they will be redirected to the local host, and the website will not load.

In addition to these methods, you can also use parental control software to block websites on Chrome. These tools offer advanced features and allow you to block websites, set time limits, and monitor browsing activities. Some popular options include “Net Nanny,” “Qustodio,” and “Kaspersky Safe Kids.” These software and apps require a subscription and offer a free trial period for you to test their features and see if they meet your needs.

Lastly, you can also use your router’s settings to block websites on Chrome. This method is suitable for parents who want to block access to specific websites for all devices connected to the home network. To use this method, you need to access your router’s settings and use the built-in parental control features to block websites. The process may vary depending on the router you have, so it is best to refer to the user manual for detailed instructions.

In conclusion, blocking a website on Chrome is a straightforward process, and there are various methods available to achieve it. Whether you want to restrict access to inappropriate content or eliminate distractions, these methods can help you achieve your goal. It is essential to choose the method that suits your needs and preferences and use it effectively. By blocking websites on Chrome, you can create a safe and productive browsing experience for yourself and your family.