Apple settles over in-app purchases made by kids

There’s no such thing as a free lunch

Apple has settled a class-action lawsuit that was filed in 2011 by parents who claimed their children racked up charges through in-app purchases without their knowledge or permission, reports CNN. The company will offer $5 iTunes gift cards to affected parents in the US, as well as larger in-store credits and/or cash refunds for more extravagant shopping sprees.

Curiously, a related incident made the rounds today on Eurogamer. A five-year-old downloaded the free Zombies vs. Ninjas from the App Store and eventually managed to build up a rather absurd £1710.43 in charges for the title. Apple originally refused to issue a refund — in the words of the child’s mother, “who would spend more than £1,700 on a game?” — but one has since been given. “In this case, as the purchases were clearly unintentional, we are pleased to be able to offer you a full refund,” said an Apple rep.

These are the kinds of stories that should serve as a reminder for parents to be more proactive, as parental controls do exist. However, that’s not to excuse games clearly intended for children which prey upon ignorance with their business models.

Apple settles suit over in-game iTunes purchases by kids [CNN] [Image source]
Parents refused refund by Apple after son spends £1700 on free iPad game [Eurogamer]