Washington – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will review
how Apple (NASD: AAPL) handles marketing of in-app purchases on its iPhone and iPad
ecosystem, believing charges may be confusing for consumers, the Washington
Post reports. Rep. Ed Markey
(D-Mass.) reportedly asked for the
review following a Post story on huge bills amassed by children using Apple
mobile devices, who charged fees to their mobile bills while playing games or
using other applications.
"What may appear in these games to be virtual
coins and prizes to children result in very real costs to parents," Markey
said.
FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz has written a letter to Markey, noting that a review is underway.
"We fully share your concern that consumers, particularly children,
are unlikely to understand the ramifications of these types of purchases,"
FTC chair Leibowitz wrote, in his letter to Rep. Markey.
"Let me assure
you we will look closely at the current industry practice with respect to the
marketing and delivery of these types of applications."
Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/4vjk7kv
(Washington Post)
