TapTechNews May 14 news, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) fined EpicGames, the developer of 'Fortnite', for pressuring young players to make in-game purchases.
According to the latest announcement from the ACM, they issued two fines to EpicGames, totaling 1.125 million euros (approximately $1.39 million USD). The ruling stated that EpicGames exploited the susceptibility of minors by using unfair practices such as 'illegal' inducement advertisements and misleading countdown timers. For these two violations, ACM imposed fines of 562,500 euros each.
In addition to these violations, ACM also pointed out that EpicGames implemented various design features that could be considered 'dark patterns'. The regulatory agency stated that even after the countdown timer expires, players can still purchase certain items. 'The promotions are too complex, and under the pressure of a 24-hour timer, players cannot understand these contents at all,' the announcement read.
'Companies that provide products to children have a responsibility to realize that children are particularly sensitive to certain incentives,' said Cateautje HijmansvandenBerg from ACM. 'In the popular game 'Fortnite', the weaknesses of children were exploited, forcing them to make purchases. Through this ruling, we send a clear signal: children should be able to enjoy online games without undue pressure, and EpicGames' practices have undermined trust in the digital economy.'
According to Dutch tech media Tweakers, EpicGames stated in a declaration that they do not agree with the ACM's ruling and will appeal. EpicGames mentioned that accounts under 16 years old cannot make real money purchases without permission and cannot use certain social functions.
Before the case is resolved, EpicGames stated that 'Fortnite' players in the Netherlands will be unable to purchase items in the store with less than 48 hours left for sale. Additionally, EpicGames reiterated that they will remove countdown timers from the virtual store, as they promised last month.