A number of sources are reporting concerns raised about in-app purchases in a "My Little Pony" game. The game, which is aimed at children, is criticised for requiring cash payments to advance the game in a timely fashion, although the game's creators argue that it is optional, rather than necessary. This is not a new issue — similar concerns were raised about a Smurf game, and before that, Fishies.
In-app payments, some creators argue, are essential as a means of supporting a game financially. This makes a lot of sense — getting someone to pay for something upfront in a store with free alternatives is no easy task, whilst monetising someone who has already engaged with the product is easier.
The concern, to my mind, is that it is too easy — perhaps Apple has more to do to secure in-app purchasing from accidental purchases by children, without the account owner's authority. Perhaps there needs to be a greater control on the part of application developers, too — should a game require in-app purchases to be completed? If it does, should this be declared up front, so that people can make a decision whether the game is actually free or not?
If you have children, you should always disable in app purchases. The other problem is that even if the first in app purchase is authorised, there can be a period of time in which all further in app purchases are made without the need for authorisation – you can require authorisation for all in app purchases but really safer just to disable as there are so many ‘free’ apps that ask for expensive purchases as soon as the game starts.
ReplyDeleteDoes this stem from a particular bad experience, Moira?!
DeleteDo you see this as something where the providers — Apple, in this case — needs to do more to enable protections against children running up large bills, or is it something for application developers (do not make purchases so enticing — although that's perhaps like asking someone not to maximise their business opportunities), or just up to parents to protect themselves, caveat emptor?
Ha ha - Skylanders ! I think a lot of children's app developers exploit this 'loophole; - though not really sure why Apple provide a feature like this. As although obviously I phone/pod/pads are not marketed as toys, I'm not sure why an adult would want to buy something by accident either - I think most people would want to have to be reminded that they are spending money before going ahead.
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