Apple should do more to tackle in-app purchases problem: EU

Apple has provided no immediate and practical solution to the problem of adults and children to accumulate bills credit card when purchasing "in-app" for tablets and mobile phones, the European Commission said.

Following concerns raised by consumer groups in several European countries, the EU executive, called on members of the industry, policy makers and consumer protection authorities to discuss clearer guidelines in February.

Since then, Google has the Android operating system for smartphones, has proposed a series of measures that are implemented. These include the ban on the word "free" when games contain in-app purchases and change the default settings so that payments must be actively licensed before every purchase.

However, the Committee regretted that Apple, maker of the iPhone, did not make a firm commitment to address the issue of approval of payments.
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"Without immediate and concrete solutions were made by Apple to date to address concerns related primarily to payment authorization," the Commission, the EU executive said in a statement.

Many people who play games are children or teenagers, they can often make in-app purchases without parental consent. It is up to parents to pay the bill.

Members of the industry, as Apple could face legal action by national authorities when considering the law of consumer protection in the EU breeze.

Apple said it would address the concerns raised by the Commission, but did not give a time when he could make the changes, said the EU executive.

"In the last year, we provide an application that allows customers to purchase the application is clearly marked," said an Apple spokesman. "We will continue to work with the EC Member States to address their concerns."

The appliance industry in Europe is huge and growing. It employs over 1 million people and has annual revenues of approximately 10 million euros ($ 18.2 billion), of which about 80 percent comes from in-app purchases, according to the Commission.

National authorities may continue to work with Apple to ensure that the concerns that were brought in December last year are sent.

Although the company has not complied with its requirements consent payment has been established clearer labeling on its iTunes store where marketed as free apps also offer in-app purchases. He also proposed the creation of a specific e-mail address through which the police can contact her about possible violations of EU legislation and discuss with application developers.

The Commission estimates that more than half of the market for online games in the EU is advertised as "free" despite the hidden costs.

"In-app purchases are a legitimate business model, but it is essential for the implementation of decisions to understand and comply with the EU law, while these new business models are being developed," said Neelie Kroes, EU Commissioner for telecommunications.

In one case in Britain, 8 years, has successfully launched a bill of € 4,000 ($ 7,274) than buying games "in-app" as my horse and Smurfs Village. In this case, Apple refunded the father of the girl.

In-App purchases can be disabled on most mobile devices.