The EU will immediately begin consultations with Google, Apple and software development companies for "smart" devices, calling for greater consumer protection in the case of children's video games that include in-app purchases.
The Commission is targeting smartphone and tablet games that, although offered free of charge, actually hide charges "disguised" as purchases of additional content. Thus, by playing such "free" video games on their parent's mobile phone or tablet, it is not unlikely that a child will inflate their father's or mother's credit card with a not inconsiderable amount, whether accidentally or not.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Apple agreed to pay $100 million in damages in February after settling a lawsuit with parents who had sued the company over purchases their children made without their consent. The settlement was awarded to 23 million users, some of whom had to pay up to $1,400.
As for Europe, the Commission has received complaints in recent months from consumer organizations from Denmark, Italy, Belgium and Britain, which point out that in-app purchases are widely used for free children's games, while the charges that may arise in this way are quite "salty".
On the EU side, the discussions will be led by Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding and Consumer Protection Commissioner Neven Mimica. The consultations will first examine whether the title "free" is misleading in a video game where the player must at some point purchase extra content if they want to advance to the next levels.
The Commission will also ask Apple and Google to adjust their operating systems so that the setting for in-app purchases is disabled when someone buys a new smartphone or tablet.
Source: kathimerini.gr
