why does tiktok need my phone number

why does tiktok need my phone number

TikTok, the popular social media app, has taken the world by storm with its short-form videos and viral challenges. With over 2 billion downloads worldwide, it has become a global sensation, particularly among the younger generation. However, as with any platform that collects user information, concerns have been raised about the reasons behind TikTok’s need for users’ phone numbers.

In today’s digital age, it is common for apps and websites to request personal information from users. This can include basic details such as name and email address, or more sensitive information such as date of birth and location. However, TikTok’s request for users’ phone numbers has raised eyebrows and sparked debates about the privacy and security of personal data.

To understand why TikTok requires users’ phone numbers, we must first delve into the app’s features and functions. TikTok is primarily a video-sharing platform, where users can create short videos ranging from 15 to 60 seconds. These videos can be edited with filters, music, and special effects, making it an entertaining and creative outlet for users.

One of the main reasons TikTok collects phone numbers is for account verification purposes. When a user signs up for the app, they are required to provide a valid phone number. This number is then used to send a verification code to ensure that the user is a real person and not a bot or fake account. This is a common practice among social media platforms to prevent spam and ensure the safety of their users.

Another reason for TikTok’s need for users’ phone numbers is to enhance account security. By linking a phone number to an account, TikTok can provide an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access. In case a user forgets their password or is locked out of their account, they can use their phone number to reset their password and regain access to their account. This feature is crucial as it helps prevent hackers from taking over and misusing user accounts.

Moreover, TikTok uses phone numbers to provide a personalized experience for its users. By having access to a user’s phone number, the app can tailor content and recommendations based on their location. For instance, if a user’s phone number is registered in the United States, they may receive suggestions for popular challenges and trends in the country. This feature allows users to connect with creators from their region and participate in local trends, making the app more engaging and relatable.

Furthermore, TikTok also uses phone numbers for its advertising strategies. By having access to users’ phone numbers, TikTok can target ads based on their demographics and interests. This allows businesses to reach their target audience more effectively, resulting in higher conversion rates. However, it is worth noting that TikTok does not share users’ phone numbers with third-party advertisers, ensuring the privacy of its users.

Apart from these reasons, TikTok also uses phone numbers for user safety and moderation purposes. The app has a strict community guidelines policy and employs a team of moderators to review and remove any content that violates these guidelines. TikTok also has a feature where users can report inappropriate or harmful content. By having users’ phone numbers, TikTok can take swift action against those who engage in cyberbullying, hate speech, or other forms of online abuse.

In addition, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has stated that collecting users’ phone numbers is crucial for the app’s growth and success. In an interview with CNBC, a spokesperson for ByteDance said, “Having a phone number is necessary for our business to function and grow, and it is also an industry standard practice for social media companies.” This statement suggests that collecting phone numbers is a standard practice in the tech industry and is not unique to TikTok.

Despite the reasons mentioned above, there are still concerns about the security and privacy of users’ phone numbers. In 2019, TikTok faced backlash when it was discovered that the app was accessing users’ clipboard data without their consent. This led to concerns that the app could potentially access and store users’ phone numbers without their knowledge. In response, TikTok released an update addressing this issue and stated that they do not access or store users’ clipboard data.

Moreover, TikTok’s Chinese ownership has also raised concerns about data privacy. In 2020, former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to ban TikTok in the country, citing national security concerns. The order was later blocked by a federal judge, but it sparked debates about the safety of user data in the hands of a Chinese-owned company.

In conclusion, TikTok’s need for users’ phone numbers is primarily for verification, security, personalized experience, advertising, and moderation purposes. While some may argue that it is invasive and a potential threat to privacy, the app has taken measures to ensure the safety of user data. As with any social media platform, it is essential for users to be cautious and mindful of the information they share online. Ultimately, it is up to the users to decide if they are comfortable providing their phone numbers to TikTok, but it is evident that this practice is crucial for the app’s functionality and growth.

fortnite download chromebook school

Fortnite is a popular online video game developed by Epic -games-parental-controls-guide”>Epic Games and released in 2017. It has taken the world by storm and has become a cultural phenomenon, with millions of players worldwide. The game is available on various platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and mobile devices. However, one platform that has been left out is Chromebook, a laptop specifically designed for students. In this article, we will explore the possibility of downloading Fortnite on a Chromebook for school use.

Chromebooks have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in the education sector. They offer a low-cost alternative to traditional laptops, making them a popular choice for schools. However, due to their limited hardware capabilities, Chromebooks have not been able to support high-end games like Fortnite. This has left many students wondering if they can download and play the game on their Chromebooks during school breaks or after school. Let’s delve deeper into this topic and find out the answer.

Firstly, it is essential to understand the hardware limitations of a Chromebook. Unlike traditional laptops, Chromebooks do not have powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, or large storage space. They rely on cloud-based applications and have a minimalistic design, making them lightweight and affordable. These limitations make it difficult for Chromebooks to run high-end games smoothly, and Fortnite is no exception. The game requires a minimum of 8GB RAM, Intel Core i5 processor, and NVIDIA GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870 graphics card to run smoothly. Most Chromebooks do not meet these requirements, making it challenging to download and play Fortnite.

However, there have been some developments that suggest that Fortnite might be playable on a Chromebook soon. In 2018, Google and NVIDIA announced a partnership that would bring the GeForce Now gaming service to Chromebooks. GeForce Now is a cloud-based gaming service that allows users to play high-end games on low-end devices. This could be a game-changer for Chromebook users, as it would enable them to play games like Fortnite without having to upgrade their hardware. However, as of now, GeForce Now is not yet available on Chromebooks, but it is expected to be released soon.

Another option for playing Fortnite on a Chromebook is through the use of Android emulators. Chromebooks can run Android apps, and there are many Android emulators available that can simulate an Android environment on a Chromebook. One such emulator is Bluestacks, which is widely used by gamers to play Android games on their PCs. However, running an emulator on a Chromebook is not a straightforward process, and it requires some technical knowledge. Moreover, emulators are notorious for being resource-intensive, which could cause performance issues on a Chromebook.

Furthermore, downloading and installing Fortnite on a Chromebook using an emulator would also require the user to have an APK file of the game. An APK file is the installation package for Android apps, and it can be downloaded from various sources on the internet. However, downloading APK files from unknown sources can be risky, as they may contain malware or other malicious software. This could compromise the security of a Chromebook, which is a significant concern, especially for school use.

Apart from the hardware limitations and potential security risks, there are other factors to consider before downloading Fortnite on a Chromebook for school use. Firstly, the game is known for its addictive nature, and it could be a distraction for students during school hours. This could affect their academic performance and lead to disciplinary issues. Moreover, Fortnite is a multiplayer game, and students may be tempted to play it with their friends during school hours, which is not appropriate. This could also lead to students falling behind on their schoolwork or ignoring their social responsibilities.

Another concern is the age rating and content of Fortnite. The game is rated as suitable for players aged 12 and above, and it contains violence and mild language. This may not be suitable for younger students, and it could raise questions about the school’s policies on gaming and internet safety. Schools have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their students, and downloading Fortnite on Chromebooks could pose a risk in this regard.

In conclusion, while it may be technically possible to download and play Fortnite on a Chromebook, it is not a practical or advisable option for school use. Chromebooks are not designed for gaming, and downloading and running high-end games on them could lead to performance issues and compromise the security of the device. Moreover, Fortnite is known for its addictive nature and age-inappropriate content, which could negatively affect students’ academic and social development. Therefore, it is recommended that schools do not allow or promote the downloading of Fortnite on Chromebooks for school use. Instead, students should focus on their studies and use the Chromebook for its intended purpose, which is to aid in their education.

how can i find someone’s birthday

Birthdays are a special occasion that people look forward to every year. It is a day that celebrates the day a person was born and marks the beginning of their journey in this world. Every person has a unique birthday, and it is an important day for them and their loved ones. As friends and family, we always want to make this day special for the people we care about. However, sometimes, we may not know the exact date of someone’s birthday, and that can make it difficult for us to plan a surprise or get them a meaningful gift. In this article, we will explore various ways to find someone’s birthday and make their day even more special.

1. Ask the person directly
The most straightforward way to find someone’s birthday is to ask them directly. This may seem like an obvious solution, but sometimes we may hesitate to ask someone about their birthday, especially if we are not very close to them. However, there is no harm in asking, and most people would be happy to share their birthday with you. It also gives you the opportunity to plan a surprise for them or get them a personalized gift.

2. Check their social media
In today’s digital age, most people have some form of social media presence. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram , and Twitter allow users to share personal information, including their date of birth. If you are friends with the person on these platforms, you can easily check their profile to find out their birthday. However, keep in mind that not everyone shares their birthday on social media, so this may not always be a reliable method.

3. Look for online records
Another way to find someone’s birthday is by looking for online records. This method is particularly useful if you are trying to find the birthday of a famous person or a distant relative. Websites like Wikipedia, IMDb, and other online databases often have information about people’s birthdays. You can also try searching for the person’s name on Google and see if any results come up with their birthday mentioned.

4. Check their ID or driver’s license
If you have access to the person’s ID or driver’s license, you can easily find their date of birth. These documents usually have personal information, including the person’s full name and date of birth. However, this method may not be feasible if you are trying to find the birthday of someone you are not very close to.

5. Ask their friends or family
If you are unable to ask the person directly, you can try asking their friends or family members. They may have this information and can help you out. However, make sure you ask someone who is close to the person and can be trusted to keep the information confidential. Also, keep in mind that the person may not want to share their birthday, so be respectful of their privacy.

6. Look for clues in their behavior
Sometimes, people drop subtle hints about their birthday without actually mentioning it. For example, they may talk about their zodiac sign, which can give you an idea about their birthday month. They may also mention plans for their birthday or talk about their past birthday celebrations. Keep an eye out for these clues, and you may be able to figure out their birthday without even asking them.

7. Check their birth certificate
If you have access to the person’s birth certificate, you can find their exact date of birth on it. This method may not be feasible in all cases, but if you are close to the person’s family, they may be able to provide you with a copy of their birth certificate. This document also contains other important information, such as the place of birth and the names of the person’s parents.

8. Look for a birthday notification
Many people receive birthday notifications from their banks, credit card companies, or other service providers. If you are close to the person, you can ask them to check their email or mailbox for any birthday notifications. This can give you an idea about their birthday, even if it doesn’t give you the exact date.

9. Check public records
Another way to find someone’s birthday is by checking public records. These records are maintained by government agencies and can include information such as birth dates and marriage records. However, this method may not always be reliable, as not all public records are easily accessible, and some may require a fee to access.

10. Hire a private investigator
If all else fails, you can consider hiring a private investigator to find someone’s birthday. These professionals have access to various databases and can conduct thorough searches to find the information you need. However, this can be an expensive option, so it should only be considered as a last resort.

In conclusion, finding someone’s birthday may seem like a daunting task, but with these methods, you should be able to find the information you need. It is important to remember that not everyone may want to share their birthday, so it is essential to respect their privacy and not push them to reveal this information if they are not comfortable. Once you have the date, you can plan a special surprise or get them a meaningful gift to make their day even more special. After all, birthdays are a time to celebrate and make memories with the people we love.