Google will stop labelling games with in app purchases as free. The move comes from the company after pressure from the EU. Starting in late September, games will no longer be termed as free if they include in-app purchases and that it will also require payment verification before each purchase.
Moreover, Google will come up with targeted guidelines for games to discourage children to make in-app purchases. The company agreed to create guidelines for games that fall into this category so kids will no longer be encouraged to buy things without their parents’ permission. It is unclear if these changes will be exclusive to Europe.
“We’ve been working closely with the European Commission and consumer protection agencies for the last few months to make improvements to Google Play that will be good for our users and provide better protections for children”
said Google in a statement.
In addition to Google, Apple has also agreed to address the issue however it is unclear what kind of actions will the company take. EU had accused Apple of taking too long to change its in-app purchase policy. Apple is planning on adding a new feature called “Ask to Buy” to iOS 8, which will give parents greater control over what their children can and cannot buy in the App Store.
Via:Engadget