FTC Hits Epic With Largest Fine in History for Its Use of Dark Patterns Against Children

December 19, 2022 Press Release

Washington, D.C. — The American Economic Liberties Project released the following statement in response to news that the Federal Trade Commission has secured agreements requiring Epic Games, Inc. to pay $520 million in relief for violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and its use of dark patterns to trick players into making unintentional purchases.

“This agreement is not a parking ticket — it’s a clear demonstration of the FTC’s full-throated commitment to protecting children online and ending the use of dark patterns,” said Sarah Miller, Executive Director of the American Economic Liberties Project. “Epic collected children’s personal data without parental consent, exposed countless kids to bullying and harassment, and tricked users into accidentally spending millions in its games. By securing both the largest fine and refund in the Commission’s history, the agency is showing once again that laws are not suggestions — especially when kids’ well-being is on the line.”

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The American Economic Liberties Project works to ensure America’s system of commerce is structured to advance, rather than undermine, economic liberty, fair commerce, and a secure, inclusive democracy. Economic Liberties believes true economic liberty means entrepreneurs and businesses large and small succeed on the merits of their ideas and hard work; commerce empowers consumers, workers, farmers, and engineers instead of subjecting them to discrimination and abuse from financiers and monopolists; foreign trade arrangements support domestic security and democracy; and wealth is broadly distributed to support equitable political power.