I am sure more than a handful of you have snagged a ‘Free’ app only to later find that to really play the game, or use the application, you would need to pay through in-app purchases. Google made changes to the Play Store not to long ago that requires the listing to to state if the app has IAP’s and also makes sure it is front and center near the download button. Google also implemented a change in the Play Store settings that will let you require a password if you try and spend money on IAP’s or other services. The primary focus was to help prevent kids from going nuts on coins and in app content and racking up huge bills for parents. Looks like the European authorities want a little bit more.
The Commission has announced that Google will make several changes to the Play Store by the end of September 2014. Some of those changes are as follows:
- The word “free†won’t be used at all when it comes to games with IAPs
- Google will develop guidelines for developers to “prevent direct exhortation to children as defined under EU lawâ€
- “time-framed measures to help monitor apparent breaches of EU consumer lawsâ€
The Commission criticized Apple in the same release statement for not coming forward with a similar set of measure, but Apple promises to address the issue. While we know this will handled in Europe, we aren’t sure if Google will change the “free” title on IAp apps here int he states or in other parts of the world.
I am personally glad that there are measures in place, and future ones on the way, to help keep things in check. As a parent I know how quick kids can just hit “ok” until the game is loaded. It certainly doesn’t help when some games will be quick to prompt you to buy more gems to build something.
Source: Android Authority
