Fortnite Will Pay Out Over Half A Billion Dollars In Fines And Refunds For "Deceptive Interfaces" And "Wrongful Charges"

The fees break down into 2 lumps: a $275 million fine and $245 million in refunds.

Michael Byrne
By Michael Byrne, Editor in Chief Posted:
Share:

Fortnite Boss Says No-No To Cryptocurrencies

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Epic Games have reached an agreement over accusations that the company may not have acted in the best interest of privacy when it comes to the personal information of children and used "dark patterns to trick users into making purchases" in Fortnite.

First up, a $275 million fine (largest of its kind) for violations of COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act). The FTC accused Epic Games of not only collecting the personal information of children without parental consent, but also used "privacy-invasive default settings and deceptive interfaces that tricked Fortnite users, including teenagers and children."

This accusation is likely a big reason Fortnite recently announced their new "Cabined Accounts" system when it comes to minor Fortnite players.

The second part of the settlement involves not a fine, but direct refunds to customers. The FTC accused Epic Games of "dark patterns" in their billing. These practices included deceptive menus and confirmation buttons in places easy to click by accident, charges without authorization or parental involvement, and locking of purchased items if a customer dared to challenge a charge. The agreement requires Epic to refund users who make a claim and to remove these practices from future processing, including a stop to Epic blocking accounts in dispute over charges.

The FTC alleges that Epic ignored millions of complaints and internal flags raised over billing procedures.

Just north of the border here in the US, Epic will face another court case in Canada that was just recently approved to move forward by a Canadian judge. This suit brings forth accusations that Fortnite is created to be as addicting as possible and that children are harmed by that design practice.

Share:
Got a news tip? Contact us directly here!

In this article: Fortnite, Epic Games.

About the Author

Michael Byrne
Michael Byrne, Editor in Chief
Mike “Magicman” Byrne has been a part of the MMOBomb family for years and serves as the site’s current Editor-in-Chief. His love for MMOs and gaming in general has led him to covering games for numerous websites including Gamebreaker TV and XIV Nation where he proudly displays his fanboy flag for FFXIV:ARR.

Discussion (0)


Read Next

President And COO Of Activision Blizzard Leaving To Head Up NFT Firm Yuga Labs

President And COO Of Activision Blizzard Leaving To Head Up NFT Firm Yuga Labs

That's the company that does the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs.

By Michael Byrne - 5 months ago

You May Enjoy

Explore Fiesta Online’s Underwater Kingdom Of Elga Starting Today

Explore Fiesta Online’s Underwater Kingdom Of Elga Starting Today

The update is live and there’s a trailer to go with it.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 4 days ago
South Korea Approves Microsoft's Acquisition Of Activision Blizzard

South Korea Approves Microsoft's Acquisition Of Activision Blizzard

The Korea Fair Trade Commission “unconditionally cleared” the deal, citing no concerns about potential competition restrictions.

By Matthew D'Onofrio - 3 days ago
Over Tens Years After Launch, Pirate101 Finally Comes To Steam

Over Tens Years After Launch, Pirate101 Finally Comes To Steam

Sooner or later, everything comes to Steam.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 3 days ago
Optimus Prime From Transformers Is Coming To Fortnite Soon, According To Well-Known Leaker

Optimus Prime From Transformers Is Coming To Fortnite Soon, According To Well-Known Leaker

The leader of the Autobots will be rolling in to the game around Friday, June 9.

By Matthew D'Onofrio - 4 days ago
Bring Out Your Dead Bugs: Starship Troopers: Extermination Releases Early Access Roadmap

Bring Out Your Dead Bugs: Starship Troopers: Extermination Releases Early Access Roadmap

More maps, more troopers, more bugs, and more gore.

By Troy Blackburn - 2 days ago
Crossout Celebrates 8th Anniversary With A Two-Week Special Event Featuring The "Crossout Day" Brawl

Crossout Celebrates 8th Anniversary With A Two-Week Special Event Featuring The "Crossout Day" Brawl

Players that participate in daily challenges can earn rewards like blueprints, parts, stickers, decor, paints, resource containers, and badges.

By Matthew D'Onofrio - 5 days ago