iPad 'free' games: parents must know their controls on their devices, says ... - Telegraph.co.uk

iPad 'free' games: parents must know their controls on their devices, says ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Figures suggest that eight out of 10 of the most popular games are now free to install but raise revenue through paid-for extras, with single purchases ranging from a few pence to more than £70.

But the OFT claim that children are particularly vulnerable to the trend as they increasingly access the internet without parental supervision.

Earlier this year, a five-year-old boy racked up a bill of £1,700 playing a “free” game on an iPad.

Cavendish Elithorn, OFT senior director for goods and consumer, said: “We are concerned that children and their parents could be subject to unfair pressure to purchase when they are playing games they thought were free, but which can actually run up substantial costs.

“The OFT is not seeking to ban in-game purchases, but the games industry must ensure it is complying with the relevant regulations so that children are protected. We are speaking to the industry and will take enforcement action if necessary.”

According to officials, the OFT will investigate how companies providing free web or app-based games market their products to children.

Parents and consumer groups will be asked to contact the watchdog with information about “potentially misleading or commercially aggressive practices” in relation to these games.

Source Article from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/apps/9990095/iPad-free-games-parents-must-know-their-controls-on-their-devices-says-Office-of-Fair-Trading.html