fortnite asking for date of birth
fortnite -parental-controls-guide”>Fortnite is a popular online video game developed by Epic Games and released in 2017. It quickly gained a massive following, with millions of players worldwide and has become a cultural phenomenon. The game has been praised for its unique gameplay, stunning graphics, and constant updates that keep players engaged. However, with its increasing popularity, the game has also faced its fair share of controversies, one of them being the requirement for players to provide their date of birth.
In order to access the full game, Fortnite players are required to create an account and provide their date of birth. This has raised concerns among parents and guardians as the game is popular among young children and teenagers. Many parents are worried about the potential risks and dangers associated with their children sharing their personal information online.
So, why is Fortnite asking for date of birth? The answer lies in the game’s rating and classification. Fortnite is classified as a “Teen” game by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This means that the game is recommended for players aged 13 and above. The ESRB is a non-profit organization that assigns ratings to video games based on their content, including violence, language, and sexual themes. The purpose of these ratings is to inform consumers about the content of the game and help parents make informed decisions about what games are suitable for their children.
In addition to the ESRB rating, Fortnite also has in-game purchases that require real money. These purchases include cosmetic items, such as character skins, emotes, and accessories, which are not essential for gameplay but are highly sought after by players. In order to make these purchases, players need to have a valid credit or debit card linked to their account. By requiring players to provide their date of birth, Fortnite ensures that only players who are 18 years or older can make these purchases. This is in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States, which prohibits online services from collecting personal information from children under the age of 13 without parental consent.
The decision to require players to provide their date of birth has been met with mixed reactions. On one hand, many parents appreciate the effort to protect their children from potential online dangers. However, some players have found ways to bypass the age requirement and create accounts with false birthdates. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the age verification process and whether it is truly keeping young players safe.
Another issue that has been raised is the potential risk of data breaches. In recent years, there have been several high-profile data breaches in the gaming industry, exposing players’ personal information to hackers. With Fortnite’s massive player base, the risk of a data breach is a valid concern. However, Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has assured players that they take data protection seriously and have implemented measures to safeguard players’ personal information.
Furthermore, some players have also questioned the need for providing their date of birth when creating an account. They argue that the game can still be enjoyed without making in-game purchases and that the age verification process is unnecessary. However, Epic Games has stated that the date of birth requirement is in line with their commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for all players.
In addition to the age verification process, Fortnite has also implemented other safety measures to protect its young players. The game has a feature called “Parental Controls,” which allows parents to set limits on the amount of time their child spends playing the game, as well as restrict access to certain features, such as in-game purchases. This feature has been praised by many parents, as it gives them more control over their child’s gaming habits.
Moreover, Fortnite has a dedicated support team that monitors the game for any inappropriate behavior or content. Players can report any concerns they may have, and the support team will take appropriate action, such as banning players who violate the game’s code of conduct. This is another step towards creating a safe and positive gaming environment for players of all ages.
In conclusion, while it may seem unnecessary for Fortnite to ask for players’ date of birth, it is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of its young players. The game’s age rating, in-game purchases, and compliance with COPPA all contribute to the need for age verification. While there are concerns about the effectiveness of the process and the risk of data breaches, Epic Games has taken measures to address these issues and continues to improve its safety measures. As Fortnite continues to dominate the gaming world, it is important for parents and players alike to understand the reasoning behind the age verification process and work together to create a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for all.
can i check my blood pressure with my phone
In recent years, technology has become increasingly integrated into our daily lives. From smartphones to smart homes, there seems to be an app or device for everything. This has led many to wonder, can I check my blood pressure with my phone? The short answer is yes, but the real question is, how accurate is it and what are the potential implications of relying on this method?
To begin, let’s first understand what blood pressure is and why it is important to monitor it. Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as it circulates through your body. It is recorded as two numbers, the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number). A normal blood pressure reading is generally considered to be less than 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health condition that affects approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. On the other hand, low blood pressure, or hypotension, can also be concerning as it may cause dizziness, fainting, or fatigue.
Given the importance of monitoring blood pressure, it is not surprising that there is a growing demand for convenient and accessible methods. This is where phone-based blood pressure measurement comes in. There are a few different ways that one can check their blood pressure with their phone, so let’s take a closer look at each method and its accuracy.
One of the most popular methods is using a blood pressure monitoring app. These apps typically require the use of a separate device, such as a blood pressure cuff, that connects to your phone via Bluetooth. The user then follows the instructions on the app to take their blood pressure reading.
While these apps may seem convenient, they have been found to be less accurate than traditional blood pressure cuffs. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that the readings from these apps were off by an average of 12-13 mmHg for systolic pressure and 10-11 mmHg for diastolic pressure. This significant difference in readings can lead to misinterpretation of one’s blood pressure and potentially incorrect treatment decisions.
Another method that has gained popularity is using the built-in sensors on smartphones to measure blood pressure. These sensors use the principle of photoplethysmography, which measures changes in blood volume in the arteries by shining a light onto the skin. While this method may seem more convenient as it does not require any additional devices, it has also been found to be less accurate.
A study published in the journal Hypertension found that the readings from these smartphone sensors were off by an average of 5-6 mmHg for systolic pressure and 4-5 mmHg for diastolic pressure. While this may be a slight improvement compared to the app method, it is still not as accurate as traditional blood pressure cuffs.
So why are these phone-based methods less accurate? One reason is that they rely on the user’s ability to follow instructions and position the device correctly. Even a slight variation in positioning can result in an inaccurate reading. Additionally, these methods do not take into account individual factors such as arm size and cuff placement, which can also affect the accuracy of the reading.
It is also important to note that these phone-based methods have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical use. This means that they have not undergone the rigorous testing and evaluation required for medical devices. While some apps may claim to be FDA-approved, it is always important to do your research and verify the accuracy of these claims.
So, should you completely disregard phone-based blood pressure measurement? Not necessarily. These methods may have some value in providing a general idea of your blood pressure, but they should not be relied upon for accurate readings. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional and use a traditional blood pressure cuff for accurate and reliable measurements.
Another potential concern with relying on phone-based blood pressure measurement is the potential for overdiagnosis or unnecessary treatment. If the readings are consistently inaccurate, it may lead to individuals being misdiagnosed with high or low blood pressure, resulting in unnecessary medication or lifestyle changes.
Additionally, some experts have raised concerns about the privacy and security of personal health information collected by these apps. Without proper safeguards and regulations, there is a risk of this sensitive data being shared or used for other purposes without the user’s consent.
In conclusion, while it may be convenient to check your blood pressure with your phone, the accuracy and potential implications of relying on this method should be carefully considered. Traditional blood pressure cuffs are still the most reliable and accurate way to monitor your blood pressure. If you have concerns about your blood pressure, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment. Let’s not forget that while technology can be beneficial, it should never replace the expertise and guidance of a trained medical professional.
can you see if someone looks at your facebook profile
When it comes to social media, Facebook is undoubtedly one of the most popular platforms used by billions of people worldwide. It is a place where people connect, share, and interact with friends, family, and even strangers. With the constant use of Facebook, many users have wondered if there is a way to find out if someone has been looking at their profile. The curiosity is understandable, as we all want to know who is interested in our lives and activities. So, can you see if someone looks at your Facebook profile? Let’s find out.
First and foremost, it is essential to know that Facebook does not provide a feature that allows users to see who has viewed their profile. The platform has repeatedly stated that they do not support such a feature as it goes against their privacy policy. However, this has not stopped users from trying to find loopholes and ways to see who has been visiting their profile. There have been countless third-party applications, browser extensions, and even tutorials claiming to reveal who has been looking at your Facebook profile. But do they work? The short answer is no.
These third-party apps and extensions often require users to grant them access to their Facebook account. Once granted, they claim to show you a list of people who have been viewing your profile. However, these apps are not backed by Facebook and can potentially be harmful as they can access your personal information and even share it with other apps. Moreover, they are notorious for spamming users with ads and phishing attempts. It is best to avoid such apps and not fall for the temptation of knowing who is interested in your profile.
Another popular method people have tried to see who is looking at their Facebook profile is by using the “InitialChatFriendsList” method. This involves inspecting the page source of your Facebook profile, where some users claim to have found a list of IDs of people who have recently viewed their profile. However, this method has been debunked by experts, who state that the IDs shown are not of people who have viewed your profile but are rather of people you have recently interacted with on Facebook. These could include people you have sent messages to, liked or commented on their posts, or even searched for on the platform. Therefore, this method is also not a reliable way to find out who has been visiting your profile.
Apart from third-party apps and the “InitialChatFriendsList” method, some users also believe that the order of people shown on their friend list is based on who has been viewing their profile the most. However, this is not entirely accurate. The order of friends shown on your profile is determined by Facebook’s algorithm, which takes into account various factors such as mutual friends, recent interactions, and frequency of communication. Therefore, the order of friends on your list does not necessarily indicate who has been viewing your profile.
So, with all these methods being debunked, is there really no way to see if someone has been looking at your Facebook profile? Well, there is one way, but it is not guaranteed to work for everyone. It involves posting a story or a status update and then checking the “Seen by” list, which shows the people who have viewed your post. However, this method has its limitations as well. First and foremost, it only works for stories and status updates and not for regular posts. Additionally, it will only show you the people who have viewed your post after you have posted it, so you cannot track who has viewed your past posts. Moreover, it is only applicable to people who follow you or are friends with you on Facebook. If someone has viewed your post but is not following you or is not your friend, they will not show up on the “Seen by” list.
Apart from these methods, there is no sure-shot way to see who has been looking at your Facebook profile. However, there are certain signs that can give you an idea if someone has been interested in your profile. For instance, if someone has liked or commented on your posts frequently, or if they have sent you a friend request or message out of the blue, it could indicate that they have been checking out your profile. But again, these are just assumptions and not concrete evidence. It is best not to read too much into these signs and focus on using Facebook as a platform to connect and interact with people, rather than trying to find out who is interested in your profile.
In conclusion, Facebook does not provide a feature to see who has been looking at your profile, and any third-party apps or methods claiming to do so are not reliable and can potentially harm your account. It is best to avoid falling for such scams and instead focus on using Facebook as a means to stay connected with friends and family. In the end, it is important to remember that your privacy is in your hands, and you should be cautious about sharing personal information on any social media platform. So, the next time you find yourself wondering if someone has been checking out your Facebook profile, remember that it is best to let go of that curiosity and focus on enjoying the platform for what it is – a tool for social connection and interaction.