In a significant development for Fortnite players, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has kicked off the first round of refunds as part of a settlement with Epic Games. The settlement, which totals $520 million, was reached in December 2022 over allegations that Epic engaged in deceptive practices and violated children’s privacy rights. The initial batch of refunds, amounting to $72 million, is now being distributed to eligible players who were affected by these practices. This announcement arrives following numerous complaints that Epic Games had charged players without proper consent, especially in the case of unauthorized purchases made by minors. FTC Chair Lina Khan stated, “We are pleased to deliver these refunds to consumers who were affected by Epic’s practices.” Furthermore, those who are eligible for a refund are being notified via email, and the FTC emphasizes that those who have not yet applied still have time to do so. Eligible customers can expect refunds to be automatically issued, which will deposit into their payment methods used during the transactions. The FTC’s $520 million settlement with Epic includes a historic $275 million dedicated specifically to penalizing the company for violating children’s privacy laws. This settlement stands as one of the largest penalties in the FTC’s history for such violations, setting a significant precedent around digital privacy and gaming. Consumers can check their refund eligibility and learn more about the application process through the FTC’s official website.
FTC Begins Distributing $72 Million in Refunds to Fortnite Players Following Epic Games Settlement
