sootman writes:
Apple has sent an email out to iTunes users informing them that if a child has made an unauthorized in-app purchase, the money may be refunded.
We've heard from some customers that it was too easy for their kids to make in-app purchases. As a result, we've improved controls for parents so they can better manage their children's purchases, or restrict them entirely. Additionally, we are offering refunds in certain cases. Our records show that you made some in-app purchases, and if any of these were unauthorized purchases by a minor, you might be eligible for a refund from Apple.
They go on to describe a process where you can look at your purchase history and mark any that you'd like a refund on if they were made by minors. The program will run until April 15, 2015.
This comes as a result of an agreement between Apple and the FTC earlier this year.
(Score: 2) by WizardFusion on Friday March 28 2014, @09:28AM
I blame the parents and bad parenting. Lock the device down so that kids can't make IAP. If you are too stupid to do this, then you deserve what you get.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday March 28 2014, @02:48PM
Are you a parent? Yes I think parenting is one of the few endeavours you must partake in to have any real grasp of what it involves. I know every non-parent will disagree with me, as I did before I became a parent. So I think when people knee-jerk blame parents for the actions of corporations, whether or not they themselves are a parent is highly relevant.
This was not always an option. You seem to think it was. IAPs were not even advertised as a game option until parents started complaining they were getting billed because jimmy clicked on a blue diamond 2 weeks ago. How short is your memory?
That seems very harsh and cruel. Have you ever done something others considered stupid? Were you treated with compassion and had things explained to you, so you don't make the same mistake again, or did people state you deserved what you got because you were stupid? Even if we are stupid, blaming stupid people for being stupid seems...dare I say it? You seem to not understand the history of IAP gaming options.
IAPs are unethical and should not be tolerated. I do not know anyone who believes these have not been, and do not continue to be, targetted at very young children who don't understand the still-widely undocumented IAPs hidden throughout a game. Understand there exist apps outside of Apple's walled garden. Implementing technical measures to limit the negative effects of unethical behavior is not good. Just stop the unethical behavior.