Is Fortnite Safe? Security Review
3/5
Overall Safety Score
★
★
★
★
★
Verdict: Fortnite has added parental controls but its core design encourages spending and social interaction with strangers. The FTC settlement highlights past privacy failures. Active parental management is essential.
Fortnite is a free-to-play battle royale game with over 80 million monthly active players. Its popularity among children and teens raises concerns about voice chat with strangers, aggressive monetization, and data collection.
Security Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | 3/5 | |
| Privacy | 3/5 | |
| Track Record | 2/5 |
Security Features
- Two-factor authentication (rewarded with in-game items)
- Parental controls via Epic Games settings
- Cabined Accounts for younger players
- Voice chat controls
- Content-based matchmaking
Privacy Concerns
- Voice chat connects children with random adult strangers
- Aggressive V-Bucks monetization targets young players
- Epic Games collects gameplay behavior and device data
- Cross-platform accounts increase data exposure
Past Security Incidents
- 2022 FTC fined Epic Games $520 million: $275 million for COPPA violations (collecting children's data) and $245 million for dark patterns tricking players into purchases
- 2019 vulnerability allowed hackers to access player accounts via an old, unsecured web page
- Ongoing complaints about children making unauthorized purchases
How to Stay Safe Using Fortnite
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Set up parental controls and Cabined Accounts for children
- Disable voice chat or restrict to friends only
- Set purchase PIN requirements
- Monitor friend requests and play sessions
Safer Alternatives
- Minecraft (safer multiplayer options)
- Splatoon (Nintendo, safer environment)
Last updated: February 10, 2026