The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has fined Fortnite maker Epic Games for pressuring youngsters.
As can be read in the new publication from the ACM, two fines have been imposed for a total of 1.125,000 euros. According to the ruling, the Fortnite maker has exploited the vulnerabilities of those under 18 by using unfair practices, including the use of “illegal” aggressive ads, and misleading countdown timers. For both violations, Epic has been fined 562.500 euros. In addition to these two violations, the ACM mentions that Epic uses several design features that can be characterized as a “dark pattern”. According to the authority, certain items were still available for purchase, even after the countdown timer ended. “The offer was complex, and was presented in a way that made it impossible to be able to comprehend the offer, let alone under the pressure of a countdown timer of 24 hours”, the publication reads.
“Businesses that offer products to children have a responsibility to keep in mind that children are particularly sensitive to certain incentives”, ACM’s Cateautje Hijmans van den Berg said. “In the popular game Fortnite, children’s vulnerabilities were exploited and were thus pressured into making purchases. With this decision, we are sending a clear signal: children must be able to play online games without being put under undue pressure. These practices by Epic erode confidence in the digital economy.”
In a statement issued to Dutch tech outlet Tweakers, Epic has said that it disagrees with the decision from the ACM and that it will appeal the decision. Epic has mentioned that accounts under 16 cannot make real-money purchases without permission and cannot use certain social features.
Until the appeal is settled, Epic has said that Dutch Fortnite players can no longer purchase items in the store that are available for less than 48 hours. In addition, the Fortnite maker has reaffirmed that countdown timers in the virtual store will disappear – something that the company already promised last month.
