EU: Apple Isn't Doing Enough to Prevent in-App Purchases Issues

The European Commission ruled this week the Apple has not provided any concrete and immediate solutions to handle the problem of adult and children piling up credit card bills by making in-app purchases on tablets and mobile phones.

After concerns raised by consumer groups in a number of European countries, the EU executive called in industry members, consumer protection authorities, and policymakers to talk about clearer guidelines back in February.

Since then however, Google has recommended a number of measures that are being implemented, according to Reuters. They include changing the default settings so payments have to be actively authorized before every single purchase, and not using the word "free" when games contain in-app purchases.

Apple has not made any commitments on tackling the issue however.

"No concrete and immediate solutions have been made by Apple to date to address the concerns linked in particular to payment authorization," the Commission, the EU executive, said in a statement, according to Reuters.

A number of those playing games are children and teenagers, who can making in-app purchases without parental approval. Parents then have to pay the bill, usually without having idea the purchases are being made before it's too late.

Apple and other industry members could face legal action from national authorities if they are determined to be breaking EU consumer protection laws.

Apple has said it would handle any concerns brought up by the Commission, though it gave no time table for when changes could occur, according to the EU executive.

"Over the last year we made sure any app which enables customers to make in-app purchases is clearly marked," said an Apple spokesman. "We will continue to work with the EC member states to respond to their concerns."

The Commission estimates that over half of the EU online games are marketed as "free" despite having hidden costs.

In-app purchases can be disabled on most devices.

"In-app purchases are a legitimate business model, but it's essential for app-makers to understand and respect EU law while they develop these new business models," said Neelie Kroes, the EU's telecoms commissioner, according to Reuters.