March 14, 2023

The maker of the popular Fortnite video game, Epic Games, has been ordered to pay $245 million to settle charges of employing dark patterns to manipulate players, including children, into making unwanted or unauthorized purchases.  The design tricks included counterintuitive and inconsistent button configurations as well as the ability to make purchases using a single click.  When customers disputed the charges, Epic allegedly prevented them from accessing their accounts.  FTC