ftc settlement
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Google is refunding the $19 million your kids spent on in-app purchases
It's been three months since Google ended its row with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over its in-app purchasing policies. The commission took issue with children racking up large bills on their parents' credit cards, resulting in Mountain View settling to the tune of $19 million. Now, Google is reportedly starting the laborious process of paying back those hit the hardest by purchases. According to Phandroid, Google is sending customers an email that underlines the new Play Store features aimed at preventing unauthorized purchasing and states that it's "offering refunds in certain cases in line with [its] agreement with the FTC." Those that think they're due compensation will have until December 2nd 2015 to apply for a refund.
Apple settles with FTC, agrees to pay out $32.5 million to customers in IAP suit
Apple has agreed to issue more than $32.5 million in refunds to iTunes App Store customers who incurred unwanted in-app purchase fees within kids' mobile apps, settling a complaint registered by the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC's complaint found that Apple "does not inform account holders that entering their password will open a 15-minute window in which children can incur unlimited charges with no further action from the account holder." As a result, many parents racked up significant iTunes bills when their children took advantage of the loophole to purchase virtual items, currency, and other in-game bonuses without permission. The FTC notes that Apple has received "tens of thousands of complaints" from affected parents in the years following the App Store's launch. One child reportedly spent $2,600 of her mother's money in Tap Pet Hotel, and several parents were hit with hundreds of dollars in fees after their children played games like Dragon Story and Tiny Zoo Friends. The UK's Office of Fair Trading levied similar complaints last year when it launched an investigation targeting pressured purchases in childrens' apps. Apple previously issued over $100 million in iTunes gift certificates to reimburse unwanted fees from Capcom's microtransaction-supported Smurf Village.
Google Buzz settlement approved by FTC, yearly privacy audits incoming
Mountain View's lawyers can collectively breathe a sigh of relief, as the FTC has accepted an earlier proposal relating to Buzz's numerous privacy violations. The service -- which already settled one suit and is scheduled for rendezvous with the grim reaper -- was singled out by the commission for misleading users by partially opting them in, even after they had explicitly declined to do so. As punishment, Google will be required to field yearly audits from an independent party for the next twenty years (!). Don't mess with the law government, kids.
