UK government investigating in-app purchase pressure on children
The investigation is focusing on games that directly target children, the OFT says, via excessive pressure to make a purchase or to do something that requires a purchase. The OFT states this is illegal under the country's Consumer Protection Regulations Act of 2008.
"We are concerned that children and their parents could be subject to unfair pressure to purchase when they are playing games they thought were free, but which can actually run up substantial costs," said OFT Senior Director for Goods and Consumer Cavendish Elithorn. "The OFT is not seeking to ban in-game purchases, but the games industry must ensure it is complying with the relevant regulations so that children are protected. We are speaking to the industry and will take enforcement action if necessary."
According to OFT, 80 of the country's highest grossing Android apps on April 9 were freemium ones. Earlier this year, Apple paid upwards of $100 million in gift certificates to account holders whose children spent money without holder permission on Capcom's Smurfs Village iOS game, this after a settlement on a lawsuit which stated Apple "failed to adequately" disclose the presence of in-app purchases aimed at children.
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Related Forum: PC General Forum
Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/uk-government-investigating-in-app-purchase-pressure-for-childre/
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Comments
FrenzyRGPosted:
WW3CL4PTRAP I saw on the news that a kid was on his dad Iphone playing a game and the kid manged to spend others 2 grand in under 5 minutes.
i saw this too i was just laughing sooo bad
Abit grim...
AutopilotPosted:
CL4PTRAP I saw on the news that a kid was on his dad Iphone playing a game and the kid manged to spend others 2 grand in under 5 minutes.
i saw this too i was just laughing sooo bad
doubln4ti0nPosted:
CL4PTRAP I saw on the news that a kid was on his dad Iphone playing a game and the kid manged to spend others 2 grand in under 5 minutes.
That might be a bit of an over exaggeration.
LichPosted:
I saw on the news that a kid was on his dad Iphone playing a game and the kid manged to spend others 2 grand in under 5 minutes.
IWasLikeOMGPosted:
They do these things really sneakily. My little sister ended up spending 80 on my card, whilst playing one of those free apps. I wasn't pleased, but I called the bank and they refunded me my money.
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