Netherlands: Issued ruling in ACM investigation into Epic regarding alleged unfair commercial practices aimed at children in Fortnite game

On 14 May 2024, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) issued a ruling following its investigation into Epic regarding alleged unfair commercial practices targeting children within the Fortnite game. ACM determined that children playing the game were subjected to various forms of pressure to make purchases, such as direct advertising encouraging purchases and misleading countdown timers for items on offer. Additionally, ACM claimed that Epic exploited children's vulnerabilities through certain design choices in its Item Shop offerings. To compel Epic to rectify these unfair commercial practices, ACM has imposed a binding instruction requiring the reduction of pressure and uncertainty on consumers under 18, which must be implemented before 10 June 2024. Furthermore, ACM has imposed fines totalling EUR 1'125'000.