Fortnite Players Get $72M FTC Refund

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Post on Dec 10, 2024

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Fortnite Players Get $72M FTC Refund: What You Need to Know

Epic Games, the creator of the wildly popular battle royale game Fortnite, will pay $72 million to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allegations of deceptive practices targeting children and teens. This significant refund affects millions of players who were unknowingly charged for in-game purchases or had their personal information improperly collected. This article breaks down the details of the settlement, explains who's eligible for a refund, and offers advice to protect yourself from similar situations in the future.

What Did Epic Games Do?

The FTC alleged that Epic Games employed "dark patterns," deceptive design choices that tricked players into making unwanted purchases. These included:

• Easy-to-accidentally-activate in-game purchases: The "confirm purchase" buttons were poorly designed, making it easy for children to unintentionally spend money.
• Default-enabled voice and text chat for minors: This exposed children to potentially inappropriate interactions without parental consent or knowledge.
• Collecting personal data of children without parental consent: This violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Who Is Eligible for a Refund?

The FTC settlement covers Fortnite players who were charged for unwanted in-game purchases between September 2017 and September 2021. This includes:

• Players who were charged for in-game items without parental consent (particularly minors). This is a significant portion of the affected players.
• Players who unwittingly made purchases due to the deceptive design of the purchase interface. Even adults who may have accidentally purchased items are eligible.

How to Claim Your Refund

The FTC is handling the refund distribution. While the exact process hasn't been fully detailed yet, expect the following:

• Automated refunds: Many players will likely receive their refund automatically. The FTC will use existing payment information.
• Claim form: Those who don't receive an automatic refund will likely need to fill out a claim form on the FTC website. Keep an eye on FTC.gov for updates and the official claim portal.
• Proof of purchase: Be prepared to provide proof of purchase if necessary, such as credit card statements or bank records.

Important Note: Don't fall for scams! The FTC will not contact you through email or phone asking for personal information. Only access the official refund process through the FTC's website.

Preventing Future Unwanted Charges

This situation highlights the importance of parental controls and awareness when it comes to online gaming and in-app purchases. Here are some steps you can take:

• Enable parental controls: Most gaming consoles and platforms offer parental controls that allow you to restrict purchases and monitor in-game activity. Take the time to learn how to use these features effectively.
• Regularly check your bank and credit card statements: This can help you identify any unauthorized charges promptly.
• Educate your children about online safety: Teach them about the dangers of clicking on unfamiliar links and making online purchases without permission.
• Monitor in-game activity: Stay informed about what your children are doing online. Open communication is key.

The Importance of the FTC's Action

This $72 million refund is a significant victory for consumer protection. It sends a strong message to companies that deceptive practices will not be tolerated. The FTC's commitment to protecting children and consumers online is essential in an increasingly digital world. The actions taken against Epic Games serve as a crucial reminder for all game developers to prioritize fair and transparent practices.

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