Does Epic Games Ask for Date of Birth? A Deep Dive into Age Verification and Privacy

Yes, Epic Games does ask for your date of birth. This isn’t just a casual request; it’s a crucial step in ensuring a safe and appropriate gaming experience for all players. Epic uses this information to implement specific settings and features based on a player’s age, particularly for younger users. This includes parental controls, restrictions on certain features, and compliance with international regulations like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States and GDPR-K (General Data Protection Regulation for kids) in Europe. By requesting and verifying age, Epic Games aims to create a responsible gaming environment. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this practice and address common concerns.

Why Epic Games Needs Your Birthday: A Matter of Safety and Compliance

The core reason Epic Games requests your date of birth boils down to two key factors: safety and compliance.

• Safety: Gaming environments can present various content and interactions that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Asking for a date of birth allows Epic Games to tailor the experience, restricting access to potentially harmful content or features. It helps protect younger users from online bullying, inappropriate content, and potential exposure to strangers.

• Compliance: Numerous countries have regulations governing the collection and use of children’s personal information online. These laws, like COPPA and GDPR-K, mandate that companies obtain parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing a child’s personal data. By knowing a player’s age, Epic Games can ensure compliance with these regulations and avoid legal repercussions.

In essence, the request for your birthday isn’t just about curiosity; it’s about creating a secure and lawful environment for everyone who uses the Epic Games platform.

Cabined Accounts and Parental Consent: Protecting Younger Players

When a player indicates they are under 13 (or the age of digital consent in their country), their account becomes a “Cabined Account.” This means that access to certain features is restricted until parental consent is obtained. These restrictions often include:

• Voice and text chat
• Making purchases
• Downloading games not owned by Epic Games
• Linking social media accounts

Parental consent is typically obtained through a verified email address, where a parent or guardian can review the terms and conditions and grant permission for their child to access these features. This ensures that parents are aware of their child’s online activities and have the ability to control their experience. Epic Games utilizes services like SuperAwesome to facilitate this verification process, ensuring that all data provided during the verification is only used for the purpose of confirming your age and is not saved.

Methods of Age Verification

Epic Games provides multiple ways for a parent to verify their age and provide consent, this may vary based on the country. Here are the common methods:

• Face Scan: This method involves scanning the user’s face to estimate their age.
• Credit or Debit Card: Requiring a credit or debit card number to verify that the person creating the account is, in fact, an adult.
• ID Scan: Scanning a driver’s license, passport, or another form of identification.

Data Privacy and Security: What Happens to Your Information

It’s natural to be concerned about the privacy and security of your personal information. Epic Games states that they are committed to protecting the data they collect. They have a comprehensive privacy policy that outlines how they collect, use, and protect your information. They assure users that they do not sell personal information. The information provided is primarily used for age verification, parental control settings, and providing a customized gaming experience.

Important Note on Social Security Numbers

While some older reports might suggest Epic Games asks for a Social Security Number (SSN), this is not a standard practice. Requesting an SSN would be an extreme measure, and Epic Games typically relies on less intrusive methods for age verification. If you encounter a situation where an SSN is requested, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of the request and proceed with caution. It’s best to contact Epic Games directly for clarification.

Addressing Common Concerns: Is Epic Games Safe?

One of the recurring questions is whether Epic Games is safe to use, especially given concerns about data privacy and potential vulnerabilities. Generally, Epic Games is considered safe to install and use. The platform employs security measures to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. Epic Games also actively monitors its platform for malicious activity and works to address any vulnerabilities that are discovered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Epic Games and its age verification practices:

1. Why is Epic Games asking for my birthday? Epic Games asks for your date of birth to apply settings that ensure the best and safest experience for all players, taking into account age-appropriate content and compliance with legal requirements.

2. Does Epic Games take my information? Epic Games collects personal information for business and commercial purposes as described in their privacy policy. They do not sell your personal information.

3. Is Epic Games age restricted? Yes, certain features within the Epic Games Store require parental consent for children under 13 (or the age of digital consent in their country).

4. How do I verify my child’s account on Epic Games? You can verify your child’s account through methods like face scan, credit/debit card verification, or ID scan, depending on your region.

5. How can I change the date of birth on my Epic Games account? The process for changing your date of birth on Epic Games may vary. Refer to their support documentation or contact customer support for detailed instructions.

6. Why did Epic Games ask for my SSN? Epic Games does not typically request your SSN. If you encounter such a request, verify its authenticity and contact Epic Games support for clarification.

7. Is Epic Games’ adult verification safe? Epic Games partners with trusted platforms like SuperAwesome for adult verification. The information provided is used solely for verification purposes and is not saved.

8. How does Epic Games know my age, or my child’s age? Epic Games initially asks for the date of birth during account creation. If the age is under 13 (or the age of digital consent in the user’s country), parental consent is required for access to certain features.

9. Can an 11-year-old have an Epic Games account? Yes, an 11-year-old can have an Epic Games account, but parental consent is required to access certain features.

10. What information does Epic collect besides my date of birth? Epic Games collects payment information, email address, phone number, and information about your gameplay, among other data, as outlined in their privacy policy.

11. Why is Epic Games asking for parental permission? Parental permission is required for accounts belonging to individuals under 13 (or the age of digital consent) to ensure compliance with laws like COPPA and GDPR-K.

12. Is it safe to give your birthday online? While it is not generally advisable to share your birthday publicly on social media, providing it to trusted platforms like Epic Games for age verification purposes is generally safe, given their data protection measures.

13. Why won’t Fortnite accept my DOB? If you’re encountering issues with Fortnite accepting your date of birth, try the official workaround (pressing X on Xbox, Square on PlayStation, Y on Nintendo Switch). If the problem persists, contact Epic Games support.

14. How old do you have to be to play Fortnite? The age recommendation for Fortnite is 13 and up, due to its action violence and open chat features.

15. Do I have to verify my Epic Games account? While not always mandatory, verifying your Epic Games account is highly recommended for added security and easier support assistance.

Understanding the Larger Context: Games and Learning

It’s important to remember that video games, including those accessed through platforms like Epic Games, can also offer valuable learning opportunities. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring the educational potential of games. Understanding how games can be used for learning and development is crucial, especially as more young people engage with these platforms. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

In conclusion, while the request for your date of birth on Epic Games may seem like a simple question, it serves a vital purpose in ensuring a safe, compliant, and age-appropriate gaming experience for everyone. By understanding the reasons behind this practice, you can better navigate the platform and protect your privacy while enjoying the world of gaming.