Latest news with #Children'sOnlinePrivacyProtectionAct
Time Magazine
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
Fornite Players Could Be Due a Refund—How to File Your Claim
Players of Epic Games, Inc.'s popular video game Fortnite could be eligible for a refund from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). "The Federal Trade Commission is sending refunds totaling more than $126 million to players of the popular video game Fortnite who were charged for unwanted purchases while playing the game," the FTC said in a statement on Wednesday. This latest round of payments come after $72 million was issued out to players in the first round of refunds, sent in December 2024. The deadline for additional claims has been extended, allowing further eligible consumers, who have not yet submitted a claim, the chance to request a refund. The FTC's action against Epic involves "two separate record-breaking settlements." In December 2022, it was announced that Epic would have to pay $245 million in refunds for "tricking users into making unwanted charges." The FTC alleged that the gaming company 'used dark patterns to trick players into making unwanted purchases and let children rack up unauthorized charges without any parental involvement.' The FTC further alleged that Fortnite's 'counterintuitive, inconsistent, and confusing button configuration' aided in these unwanted purchases. It was also announced that Epic would be required to pay a $275 million penalty for "violating" the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Epic issued a statement regarding the settlement in December 2022. 'The video game industry is a place of fast-moving innovation, where player expectations are high and new ideas are paramount,' the statement read. 'Statutes written decades ago don't specify how gaming ecosystems should operate. The laws have not changed, but their application has evolved and long-standing industry practices are no longer enough.' The company went on to say: "Over the past few years, we've been making changes to ensure our ecosystem meets the expectations of our players and regulators, which we hope will be a helpful guide for others in our industry." Here's what you need to know about whether you're eligible to file a claim and how you can go about doing that. Who is eligible to file a claim? If you filed a claim after Feb. 14, 2025, you don't need to do anything else right now, per the FTC's instruction, as they are "still reviewing claims filed after that date and will provide more information soon." For those who haven't already filed, Fortnite players who were charged for 'unwanted purchases' may be eligible to seek a refund. The first eligible party is someone who was charged 'in-game currency' for items they did not want, between January 2017 and September 2022. The second is a parent whose child made charges in Fortnite using their credit card, without their knowledge, between January 2017 and November 2018. The third is a player who was locked out of their account when they complained to their credit card company about 'wrongful charges' between January 2017 and September 2022. Players of all ages are eligible for the refund, but the FTC stipulates that those under 18 must have a parent or guardian fill out the claimant form on their behalf. The refund is also currently only available to players in the United States. When is the deadline to make a claim and apply for a refund? The FTC has reopened the claiming process for eligible people to submit a refund request. People now have until July 9 to file a claim. How can you apply for a refund? Eligible persons can apply for a refund via the official Fortnite refund website, using either a claim number sent to their email address or their Epic Games account ID. In December 2024, the FTC said the average refund amount that an individual would receive was $114, but it now says that the amount of each refund depends on multiple factors, including how many people file a claim. When can you expect to receive payment? The next round of refunds are expected to be sent to players in 2026, after all claims are validated. Claimants can reach a representative through the email admin@ or by calling number 1-833-915-0880, if they have questions about their payment status. The refunds are due to be sent by check or via PayPal from the FTC. It's recommended that successful claimants cash checks within 90 days and redeem the PayPal payment within 30 days.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Last chance to claim your Fortnite refund – Act fast or risk missing out on free cash
If you or your child made an unintended purchase in Fortnite over the past few years, there's still time to claim a refund, but the clock is ticking. Last chance to get your Fortnite refund The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has extended the deadline for filing a claim related to unwanted Fortnite purchases , as reported by TechRadar. While the original deadline was February 14, the new and final date to submit a claim is July 9, according to the report. So far, the FTC has already distributed $126 million in refunds to players who submitted valid claims by the earlier deadline, as reported by TechRadar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You might be interested Undo If you've already filed a claim, there's no need to do anything else, but in case you haven't, there's still time to act quickly by filing the claim online through the FTC's website, as per the TechRadar report. ALSO READ: Rocket Lab stock skyrockets past 52-week high with 13% surge - what's fueling the rise? Live Events Who can get a refund? The FTC has mentioned that you can apply for a refund if you meet at least one of the following criteria, as compiled by TechRadar: You were charged in-game currency for items you didn't want between January 2017 and September 2022 Your child made charges to your credit card without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018 Your account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after you complained to your credit card company about wrongful charges ALSO READ: Worry for Jensen Huang's Nvidia? AMD stock skyrockets - what did CEO Lisa Su say that has investors cheering Who can file a claim? However, to submit the claim form, you must be at least 18 years old and above, so a parent or guardian can also complete the claim form on behalf of those under that age, as reported by TechRadar. Watch out for scams According to the report, the claims process is only open for those in the United States, while the FTC has also warned against potential refund scams, reiterating the fact that it will never charge in order to file a claim. "Don't pay anyone who promises you an FTC refund in exchange for a fee," as quoted in the report. ALSO READ: Top economist warns: US faces a crisis worse than recession — here's what could be coming Why is Epic Games refunding players? The refunds stem from a 2022 settlement between the FTC and Epic Games, Fortnite's developer, according to the report. Epic Games was accused of using deceptive design tactics, which are called 'dark patterns,' to trick players into making unintended purchases, according to the report. The company was also charged with violating children's privacy laws, which is the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), as per the TechRadar report. FTC says kids were targeted FTC chair Lina M. Khan said previously that, "Epic used privacy-invasive default settings and deceptive interfaces that tricked Fortnite users, including teenagers and children," as quoted in the report. Khan also said, "Protecting the public, and especially children, from online privacy invasions and dark patterns is a top priority for the Commission, and these enforcement actions make clear to businesses that the FTC is cracking down on these unlawful practices," quoted TechRadar in its report. FAQs Am I too late to file my Fortnite refund claim? Not yet. The deadline is now July 9, 2025. If you're eligible, file online before then. Can I still get a refund if my child made the purchase? Yes. If your child made charges without your consent, you can still file a claim.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Newsweek
Parents Have Two More Weeks to Claim FTC Refunds from Fortnite
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Parents and Fortnite players have two more weeks to apply for a refund from Fortnite maker Epic Games, after the gaming giant was alleged to be violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by the FTC and subsequently entered into a settlement. Epic Games was accused by the FTC of "unlawfully [charging] players for unwanted purchases, [letting] children rack up unauthorized charges without their parents' permission," and more. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $520 million in 2022, and $245 million of that money is being used to refund some of those purchases to players in the US. Players engaging in combat in a promotional screenshot for Fortnite. Players engaging in combat in a promotional screenshot for Fortnite. Epic Games The first round of payouts came last year, with $72 million being paid out initially, rising to $126 million refunded to 969,173 players in the second round, which is set to pay out soon. Affected players can apply for a third round of payments, set to be paid out later this year and early next year, but they need to act quickly, as applications close on July 9, 2025. Who's Eligible for a Fortnite Refund? In order to be eligible for a Fortnite refund, you need to meet one or more of the following requirements: You were charged in-game currency for items you didn't want between January 2017 and September 2022 Your child made charges to your credit card without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018 Your account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after you complained to your credit card company about wrongful charges You also need to be a resident of the US, and to complete a claim form you need to be at least 18 years of age. Players under 18 are encouraged to get a parent or guardian to complete a claim for them. How to Apply for a Fortnite Refund To apply for a Fortnite refund, double check you meet the eligibility requirements above. You'll then need to go to the Fortnite Refund File a Claim website, and enter your information, including a claim number if you've received one, or your Epic Account ID. To find your Epic Account ID, you can follow the steps on the Epic Games website, which tells you how to find your Epic Account ID on the web, in-game in Fortnite, Fall Guys, or Rocket League, or in the Epic Games launcher files. You must complete this claim by July 9, 2025, otherwise you risk missing out on a refund.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Fortnite refund: How can you get yours after FTC announces $126m settlement, find out full process
Fortnite players who were wrongly charged for unwanted in-game purchases are set to receive a share of a $126 million refund this week, following a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The refunds stem from a $245 million agreement reached between the FTC and Fortnite's developer, Epic Games, over allegations of deceptive online practices that led to players, including minors, being tricked into making unauthorised purchases. FTC initially announced the settlement in December 2022, marking it as the largest refund the agency had ever issued in a gaming industry case. The settlement follows accusations that Epic Games misled consumers into making in-game transactions they otherwise wouldn't have made. FTC also announced it will issue nearly 970,000 checks and PayPal payments to those who submitted valid claims, following an earlier round of payments in December 2022 totalling over $22 million. For Fortnite players seeking compensation, the FTC has set up a dedicated website where they can confirm their eligibility for a refund. The original deadline for filing claims was February 14, but the agency has now extended it to July 9. Players who have already submitted a claim after February 14 need not take further action. Those receiving checks are advised to cash them within 90 days, while PayPal refunds must be accepted within 30 days. To apply for a refund, players will need their claim number or Epic Account ID. For those under 18, a parent or guardian will need to submit the claim on their behalf. Players on social media have shared screenshots, confirming their refund amounts. Just got my Fortnite epic games refund — NATE (@NATERERUN) June 25, 2025 WE SO UP THANK YOU FORTNITE EPIC GAMES (I spent way more then that 😭💔) — Purdy (@Purdy6969) June 25, 2025 Fortnite is STILL paying us 💀 Did you file a FTC v Epic Games claim last year? More people are reporting they're starting to receive their payments! I totally forgot about mine lmao — Frugal Season (@Frugalszn) June 25, 2025 This action follows a separate 2023 agreement in which Epic Games was fined $275 million for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule, adding further scrutiny to the company's practices.
Business Wire
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Buddy.ai, the Leading Conversational AI Tutor for Kids, Joins a Small Group of AI Companies in Achieving kidSAFE COPPA Certification
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- the world's first conversational AI tutor for kids, today announces it was recently recognized as officially fully compliant with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) as certified by the kidSAFE Seal Program. This means that the parents of Buddy's 20 million annual users can rest assured that learning English with Buddy is a safe and privacy-friendly choice. This news comes at a time when online safety and privacy are top of mind for many parents as generative AI chatbots become more readily available. Concerns include exposure to inappropriate content, misinformation due to hallucinations, dangerous parasocial relationships, and the lack of privacy and data protections. Because AI tools are dependent on data, off-the-shelf platforms are designed to collect as much as possible. In fact, the creation of these tools has required ingesting so much data, they are already hitting availability roadblocks. But for minors, some user data cannot be collected without parental consent. When consent is obtained, collected data is still subject to strict storage and handling requirements. This is why even the most popular voice assistants struggle to understand children – they can't safely collect the needed training data (children's voices) on their platforms. Designing an effective, speech-based interactive tutor for children, then, required to build its proprietary full stack AI technology from the ground up. This process required a team of speech technology experts over four years of development and $13 million in VC fundraising. The success of this bespoke approach is today reflected in over 50M downloads of the app since launch. In response to their recent COPPA-certification, CEO and Co-founder Ivan Crewkov said, 'My co-founder and I created Buddy with the goal to help our own children learn English. When we started, we could not have imagined the scale of development ahead of us. Although this was a lengthy and challenging process, attaining kidSAFE and COPPA compliance was important to us as parents — we wanted to build AI technology that prioritized safety and privacy complemented by design.' Shai Samet, Founder and President of the kidSAFE Seal Program, echoed Ivan's comments by saying, 'Ivan and the team have demonstrated from day one of our work together that they are serious about the well-being of their users, and will take every reasonable measure to create an enjoyable, yet highly ethical play and learning experience for children. We are proud to have them as a member in our program and are confident they will continue to innovate responsibly in our niche industry.' privacy policy and data security practices can be found on its website, but in brief the kidSAFE COPPA certification signifies: Children ' s privacy is protected: follows strict rules to keep kids' personal information safe. Its entire stack of AI technology was built in-house to avoid sharing data with any vendors or third-parties. No sneaky data collection: Personal user information is not tracked or shared without clear parental consent. If allowed by parents, collects speech data, which is used to further improve AI technology, advancing its educational mission. A trustworthy platform: kidSAFE and COPPA compliance requires meeting high standards for online child safety and privacy. To learn more about the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, you can visit the FTC's frequently asked questions page found here. About provides affordable, high-quality 1:1 instruction to over 20 million children worldwide annually using our interactive, voice-based AI tutor, Buddy the Robot, in a mobile app. Our mission is to make 1:1 tutoring available for every child worldwide and help resolve the global teacher shortage using AI. Powered by proprietary AI technology for children, Buddy is safe, fast, and compliant with kidSAFE Seal standards, COPPA, and other regulations. Buddy teaches using voice- and tap-based games in a fun-filled world created by educational experts and top game designers. To learn more visit or download our app in the Apple App Store or Google Play. About the kidSAFE Seal Program The kidSAFE Seal Program is a fast-growing seal program designed exclusively for child-friendly websites, apps, and technologies, including AI-enabled products. kidSAFE offers a variety of auditing, certification, and badging services aligned with online safety best practices and legal privacy frameworks, including its flagship COPPA program which has been granted Safe Harbor status by the Federal Trade Commission. Hundreds of child and student-centric digital brands and developers around the globe, including many well-known companies, participate in the program or utilize kidSAFE's services. This has resulted in the kidSAFE badges reaching millions of parents and educators across more than 200 countries since the program's inception. To learn more, visit
