FTC Finalizes Order For Epic Games To Pay $245 Million For “Tricking Users Into Making Unwanted Charges”

The fine is to be paid to consumers.

QuintLyn Bowers
By QuintLyn Bowers, News Editor
Share:

Epic Games FTC Order

Today, the Federal Trade Commission finalized an order for Epic Games to pay $245 million to consumers. The charges are an additional fine settled back in December when the organization also ordered Epic to pay $275 million for violating children’s privacy law. The amount finalized today is intended to compensate consumers for “dark patterns and billing practices” in Fortnite that tricked players into making purchases unintentionally. This includes children making unauthorized charges without their parent’s approval in the popular battle royale.

In addition to ordering the payment, the FTC’s order also prohibits Epic Games from using “dark patterns” or other methods that don’t obtain “affirmative consent” from consumers to charge them. It also bars Epic from blocking players who dispute unauthorized charges from accessing their accounts.

The FTC voted 4-0 to approve the order. The full order, including the portion to be paid for violating the children’s privacy law, can be viewed on the FTC website. It’s also worth noting that now that the order has been finalized, any future infractions can earn Epic a financial penalty of $46,517 each.

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

In this article: Fortnite, Epic Games.

About the Author

QuintLyn Bowers
QuintLyn Bowers, News Editor
QuintLyn is a long-time lover of all things video game related will happily talk about them to anyone that will listen. She began writing about games for various hobby sites a little over ten years ago and has taken on various roles in the games community.

Discussion (0)


Read Next

NCSOFT Has A New Massive RTS Game, "Project G", And Here There Be Dragons

NCSOFT Has A New Massive RTS Game, "Project G", And Here There Be Dragons

It's a reveal trailer kind of day for NCSOFT and Project G

By Troy Blackburn - 2 weeks ago

You May Enjoy

Go Hands On With Free-To-Play Digital Card Game Warhammer 40,000: Warpforge During The Steam Digital Tabletop Event

Go Hands On With Free-To-Play Digital Card Game Warhammer 40,000: Warpforge During The Steam Digital Tabletop Event

40K fan rejoice, you have a new free-to-play CCG to try this weekend.

By Troy Blackburn - 1 week ago
Neverwinter’s Latest Module “Menzoberranzan” Is Available On PC And Consoles Today

Neverwinter’s Latest Module “Menzoberranzan” Is Available On PC And Consoles Today

Explore the legendary City of Spiders.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 3 days ago
Descend Into The Deepest Depths Of The Sea In Tower Of Fantasy’s March 30th Update

Descend Into The Deepest Depths Of The Sea In Tower Of Fantasy’s March 30th Update

The game’s next major expansion arrives later this month.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 week ago
Destiny 2's Root of Nightmares Raid Completed By One Player In World's First Solo Clear

Destiny 2's Root of Nightmares Raid Completed By One Player In World's First Solo Clear

“TheSnazzzyRock” took down Nezarec, "Final God of Pain," all by himself.

By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 day ago
New World Delays Season 1 Fellowship & Fire, Doesn't Detail The Issue

New World Delays Season 1 Fellowship & Fire, Doesn't Detail The Issue

It looks like we won't be getting the big New World update tomorrow.

By Troy Blackburn - 4 days ago
World Of Warcraft's Mythic Dungeon International & Arena World Championship Begin March 31

World Of Warcraft's Mythic Dungeon International & Arena World Championship Begin March 31

Competitors try for their share of $600,000.

By Troy Blackburn - 3 days ago