Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
If you or your kids areFortniteplayers in the US, you may be eligible for a refund as part of a legal settlement between Epic Games and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Players and parents whose kids have made unintentional payments for unwanted items withinFortnitecan now apply for compensation.
The US regulators just began notifying more than 37 million users and will continue contacting people over the next month to ensure everyone eligible will receive their compensation. Players will be able to claim their refund until January 2024.
Fortnite to Refund Players for Unwanted Purchases
In 2022, the US regulators accusedFortniteparent company Epic Games of tricking users of all ages into purchasing unwanted items and locking their accounts after they complained to their bank about wrongful charges.
Epic Games was accused of using “deceptive interfaces” that led to adult players making unintentional purchases and children purchasing items without their parents’ knowledge or permission. Furthermore, the FTC blamed Epic for breaching people’s and children’s privacy.
Read also:My Hero Academia returns to Fortnite: New Skins and Items
The company agreed to settle the FTC’s allegations by paying a total of $520 million. $245 million will be paid as compensation to affected users, while the rest ($275 million) will be paid as a fine to the FTC due to concerns related to children’s privacy. Epic Games is said to have collected data on players under 13 years of age without their parents’ knowledge or consent.
The FTC began sending emails to over 37 millionFortniteplayers on September 19 to notify them that they can apply for a refund. More emails will be sent out for one month, and affected users will be able to apply for compensation until July 13, 2025.
How to Apply for a Refund
As of now, onlyFortniteplayers and their parents located in the US are eligible to apply for compensation. You will be able to claim a refund if any of the following applies to you:
The FTC will be distributing the $245 million in refunds toFortniteusers at its discretion. As stated in the settlement, payments made for in-game items such as outfits andFortnite’svirtual currency “V-Bucks” will be eligible for refunds.
Read also:Mass Documents Deleted by US District Court after Latest FTC/Microsoft Leak
Ever since the FTC’s allegations, Epic Games has made a slew of changes toFortnite’sUI, systems, and data policies to address the concerns and prevent such occurrences from happening in the future.
Players now have to re-confirm their purchase via a “hold-to-purchase mechanic” to make payments in the game. Epic Games has also implemented various safeguards aimed at ensuring children’s privacy and preventing them from making payments without their parents’ permission.
The company has listed its measurements to ensure children and consumer protectionon its website.
Have you made any accidental purchases inFortnite,or have your kids gone on an in-game shopping spree you were not aware of? Will you be applying for a refund? Let us know in the comments and on our social feeds. We would love to hear about your experience.
Source:Federal Trade Commission
Follow us for more entertainment coverage onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram, andYouTube.
Lisa Kamlot
Articles Published :101
Lisa is a passionate gaming writer with an insatiable appetite for all things gaming. When she’s not diving into virtual worlds, she’s riding waves as a dedicated surfer. She’s always on a quest for adventure – both in the digital realm and IRL.
