In an FTC settlement, Apple has agreed to refund $32.5 million of in app purchase that were un authorized by parents by made by children due to a 15 minute window when kids could buy "things" that were charged to iTunes credit cars. Apple is required to change billing procedures to make sure that the company has gotten "informed consent" form buyers before buying items sold in mobile iOS iPhone apps. Apple must make the changes by March 31, 2014.
The FTC reported that Apple did failed to tell parents that by entering their password were not only approving a single app purchase but all purhcases for 15 mintues thereafter.
Often iPhone iOS games allow kids to buy virtual toys and currency to play games that can cost $.99 up to $99.99.
Apple received tens of thousand complaints from parent. In fact on parent founded that her daughter spent $2,600 in the Tap Pet Hotel. Other apps Dragon Story and Tiny Zoo Friends, kids racked up as much as $500 in each app.
Apple must give full refunds for in-app charges that were made by children, accidentally or that were not authorized, promptly, when requested by the Apple account holder.
Apple will give notice to its subscribers with instructions on how to get a refund.