Apple 'could pay out $100m to settle lawsuit'

[karl]

Apple has agreed to pay compensation to parents whose children ran up bills in games on the iPhone and iPad.

By Shane Richmond, Head of Technology

Apple could pay out more than $100 million in iTunes Store vouchers according to the proposed settlement to a class action lawsuit filed in California in 2011.
Parents whose children ran up iTunes bills using in-app purchases will be eligible for $5 of iTunes credit. Those whose children ran up bills of more than $5 will be eligible for iTunes credit of up to $30. Customers can claim a cash refund for amounts over $30.
The settlement was proposed last week but brought to light by technology site GigaOm overnight. Apple said it would notify more than 23 million iTunes account holders of the proposal, which must still receive preliminary approval from a federal judge before Apple can begin accepting claims.
To qualify for the settlement parents must fill in an online form saying that they were charged for a "Qualified Game Currency Charge", did not knowingly enter their password or give their password to a minor and have not received a refund from Apple.
The lawsuit was filed against so-called "bait apps", which are free games, typically aimed at children, that tempt players to spend real money on virtual goods within the game. At the time the lawsuit was filed, Apple's iOS software would not ask for a password to be re-entered if it had been entered within the previous 15 minutes.


Full story here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/9894336/Apple-could-pay-out-100m-to-settle-lawsuit.html

[Infidelitas]

I think if parents don't keep an eye on what their children are doing with their iDevices, they should be liable. If you don't want your children to rack up large charges, set up the restrictions on the device.

[Apollo.]

I totally agree with Thomas here, if you cant make sure your kids responsible on your device don't give them it. I love apple products so don't want to hear about them being sued! People look after their kids or pay the price! It's not up to Apple!

[Rayquaza]

I absoutely hate apps that ask you to make in app-purchases. Exceptions to those are apps such as Temple Run 2 and Fruit Ninja, where you can earn the same goods just by playing for longer. I also agree with the above, imagine if the person that knew your password was an adult, your account could be hacked with ease, so just be thankful it was only a child. Besides, what adults tell their password to children anyway, fully aware that it is linked to their card and purchases can be made.

Though this is rather generous of Apple, and I thought I'd never see a day something like this happens, it is quite unnecessary.

[Magus]

Sue them mofos. Making everything as much commercial as possible, and then reaping off all of the profits.

[Cicero]

It's good they're doing this. It's so fucking annoying when apps do that, and I've almost accidentally done that a few times.