What can happen if I try to get paid things for free?
Potentially Hurtful and Harmful If you don’t have permission from the owner, downloading music, games, movies or TV shows for free that you would normally pay for can break the law – it is illegal downloading. Illegal downloading causes problems for the people who create things – if you don’t pay for something, they don’t […]
What do I need to know about loot boxes?
Commercialism Loot boxes are extras you can buy in some games with real money. What is inside the box is unknown until you open it – it could be a rare item or cool outfit, or it could be an item you already have lots of. Because you never know what a loot box will […]
Do games and apps use real money?
Commercialism Many online games and apps may allow you to buy optional extras such as extra levels, characters, new features, skins/outfits and in-game money. These are sometimes called DLC (downloadable content). All of these things must be bought with real money.
If it’s free, does anyone make money from it?
Commercialism One way that creators make money from free content is through adverts that are shown alongside it. They only get a very small amount of money when an advert is seen, but the more times an advert gets seen, the more money they can earn. For some creators, making money comes from selling other […]
Can I get things for free online?
Potentially Hurtful and Harmful If the copyright owner gives away their work then you can use it for free. There are sites online that allow you to download or stream films, tv shows and games for free. If those sites don’t have permission, they are breaking the law. Some owners will let you use and […]
Do I own the things I make online?
Commercialism This is a tricky question! If you have created something then you own it, but the app/game you made it on may also have permission to use or change it however they wish. This is because you used their app/tools to create and share your work. When you create an account on an app/game, […]
What is copyright?
Commercialism When someone makes something creative (like art, a story, music, a film, a TV show, a video game) then they have copyright for it. This allows them to choose who else can use what they have created and protects them from others using it without permission. Photos, videos, music and screenshots from TV, film […]
Can I control who can collect my information?
Positive and Proactive Behaviours Companies must ask your permission to collect your information. They often do this when you make an account or first visit a website. Companies cannot collect the personal information of children without their parent/carer’s permission. This is why games and apps that are just for children will ask for your parent/carer’s […]
Why do I see adverts online?
Commercialism Many of the games and apps we use are free – the company makes money by showing adverts – the advertisers pay the company for letting them show their advert. The adverts you see may change depending on the information that is collected about you, for example your age or the kind of information […]
Who collects my personal information and why?
Personal Data The websites, games and apps you use online all collect information about you. This can include the device you are using, your internet address and your location. If you have an account then it will collect your personal information, including the things you do on the service. Your internet service provider may also […]