The video game developer Epic Games (“Fortnite”) pays a high fine for violating children’s and data protection laws in the USA. The company today confirmed a $520 million (EUR 490 million) settlement with US authorities.
The consumer protection authority FTC accuses Epic of illegally collecting data from “Fortnite” users under the age of 13 and enticing them – without notifying the parents – to unintentional transactions in the online video game. The company also exposed children to online dangers by allowing strangers to send voice and text messages. The settlement is intended to settle two FTC cases. The agreement still has to be approved by the court.