Google to pay $19 million in kids' in-app purchase refunds

4.6
Google has agreed to pay at least $19 million in refunds to customers whose children made in-app purchases without their permission as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.

The FTC announced on Thursday that the two parties had reached an agreement over the complaint stretching back to 2011, when in-app purchases were first introduced to programs on what was then called the Android Market.


"For millions of American families, smartphones and tablets have become a part of their daily lives," FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez said in a statement. "As more Americans embrace mobile technology, it's vital to remind companies that time-tested consumer protections still apply, including that consumers should not be charged for purchases they did not authorize."

The settlement includes the stipulation that Google must change its billing practices to request express, informed consent before every Google Play app transaction. If users agree to a set window of time for transactions to be authorized, they must have the option to withdraw their consent at any time.

A Google representative said in a statement that the firm has already made these changes, and that "[w]e're glad to put this matter behind us so we can focus on creating more ways for people to enjoy all the entertainment they love."

The firm agreed to an EU Commission ruling in July which required it to stop listing games with in-app purchases as "free".

The FTC settlement follows a similar decision in January, in which Apple was ordered to refund at least $32.5 million to customers for their children's in-app purchases. Amazon has so far refused a settlement, saying that the company has improved practices but regularly refunded unauthorized transactions "even at launch".

Posted:
Related Forum: Mobile Devices

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/475985/google-to-pay-19-million-in-kids-in-app-purchase-refunds/

Comments

"Google to pay $19 million in kids' in-app purchase refunds" :: Login/Create an Account :: 26 comments

If you would like to post a comment please signin to your account or register for an account.

1989Posted:

DeluxeHazard
Grimlock I dont get how kids can buy 19 million dollars worth of apps. Thats crazy


Kids are smarter than we think. ;)


they definitely are they know how to do everything with electronics

1989Posted:

this is good for my mum and all that money missing.

Stupid cousins.

ImmortalGengarPosted:

This is why you don't give your child a Tablet! Atleast they got a refund but I wonder if the in app purchases have been taken back

RinPosted:

Don't even think people fully understand this lol.
The parents are in the fault, there are ways to avoid your kids from buying in app purchases.

AstronautsPosted:

Lol this is good news for some parents.

SzaPosted:

This is crazy who in the hell buy apps i dont buy apps i get them free ;)

KixaPosted:

Pretty crazy how kids can spend so much money on apps.

DeviantModzPosted:

DeluxeHazard
Grimlock I dont get how kids can buy 19 million dollars worth of apps. Thats crazy


Kids are smarter than we think. ;)


Every game with in-app purchases asks "would you like to pay to win" and kids choose to win the easy way.

DeluxeHazardPosted:

Grimlock I dont get how kids can buy 19 million dollars worth of apps. Thats crazy


Kids are smarter than we think. ;)

LatencyPosted:

That is insane. I mean I've done it to apple but still.