The European Union’s European Commission thinks free games with in-app purchases shouldn’t be called “free,” and has been pushing Apple and Google to change how they represent those apps to buyers. Google has capitulated, and now the EU is calling out Apple for failing to take action, although Apple thinks it’s already doing more than other companies to keep consumers well informed.<\/p>\n

The EU told Apple and Google that it wants stores to stop misleading consumers about free games, stop \u201cdirectly exhorting\u201d kids with in-app content, inform customers about payment arrangements and force game-makers to offer users contact information. While the EU said Google addressed its concerns related to in-app purchase practices, Apple has failed to offer a similar approach, or a timetable to address them.<\/p>\n

Apple has already settled an in-app purchase-related FTC investigation in the U.S. \u2013 where Amazon has been sued by the regulator on the same matter recently \u2013 and issued a comment to Engadget, following the EU\u2019s remarks about its own in-app purchase requirements for app stores.<\/p>\n

\u201cApple takes great pride in leading the industry in parental controls that are incredibly easy to use and help ensure a great experience for parents and children on the App Store,\u201d Apple said. \u201cThe parental controls in iOS are strong, intuitive and customizable. And over the last year we made sure any app which enables customers to make in-app purchases is clearly marked. We\u2019ve also created a Kids Section on the App Store with even stronger protections to cover apps designed for children younger than 13.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThese controls go far beyond the features of others in the industry. But we are always working to strengthen the protections we have in place, and we\u2019re adding great new features with iOS 8, such as Ask to Buy, giving parents even more control over what their kids can buy on the App Store,\u201d Apple added.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal is to continue to provide the best experience for our customers and we will continue to work with the EC member states to respond to their concerns,\u201d the statement concluded.<\/p>\n

Agencies\/Canadajournal<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n