Lawmakers Ask FTC To Investigate Apple, Google's In-App Purchases

Following recent complaints and reports about accidental charges in mobile games, several democratic lawmakers are urging the Federal Trade Commission to review in-app purchases on Apple and Google/Android devices. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mark Pryor, as well as Representative Ed Markey each sent letters to FTC chairman Jon Liebowitz voicing their concern about consumers, especially children, not understanding that microtransactions in free-to-play games can result in substantial charges. The politicians sent their messages after The Washington Post called attention to in-app purchases earlier this week, pointing to a family that received charges exceeding $1,400 from virtual "Smurfberries" microtransactions in Capcom's iOS game Smurfs' Village. Though Apple, which takes a 30 percent cut from all purchases on its platform, requires a password before making purchases in games and applications, some argue this isn't enough to stop children from making unauthorized purchases, and that children's games shouldn't have microtransactions. "Companies shouldn't be able to use Smurfs and snowflakes and zoos as online ATMs, pulling money from the pockets of unsuspecting parents," Markey told the newspaper. "The use of mobile apps will continue to escalate, which is why it is critical that more is done now to examine these practices." Apple and Google have also received copies of the letters, though neither companies or the FTC have released a public comment.