Apple in legal trouble over free-to-play apps aimed at kids

A class-action suit against Apple over free-to-play apps that trick children into making in-app purchases is proceeding to trial

Last year, a federal judge in California consolidated a number of class-action lawsuits from parents who alleged that Apple incorrectly listed apps as free-to-play, only to have children rack up immense bills for digital purchases. These parents have found $100+ iTunes account bills due to these so-called "bait apps".

An Apple user normally has to enter a password to buy items in-game, but Apple previously allowed a 15-minute window after the initial purchase, during which players can make in-app purchases without entering a password. This window allowed children to rack up huge bills on their parents' iTunes accounts in a short period of time, prompting Apple to later remove the 15-minute window.

Apple filed to have the consolidated class-action suits dismissed, but last week U.S. District Judge Edward Davila upheld the original claims against Apple.

"Contrary to Apple's argument, Plaintiffs have alleged with specificity which misrepresentations they were exposed to, their reliance on those misrepresentations, and the resulting harm. Plaintiffs pled specific facts that Apple "actively advertis[ed], market[ed] and promot[ed] its bait Apps as 'free' or nominal ," Judge Davila stated.

Now Apple must dispute the claims, with the company expected to file its defense on May 24.

Source: gameindustry.biz

So, who is right here, the plaintiffs or Apple? And what do you think about business practices like these? Sound off below with your thoughts.

It's called watch your children and teach them what not to do.

If a game is free to play, it should be free to play. If its so easy for a kid to make an in-app purchase, someone has to be responsible. Besides parents, Apple is to blame here.

This is very much Apple's fault... reasonable levels of security should be the default, a 15 minute window is dumb. I mean if you leave your house, but it takes 15 minutes till your door is locked that would be ridiculous. Yes in cases like these there is always some blame to be put on the parents, but the main portion of the blame rests on whoever decided that 15 minute window.

I think it is much more likely that the parents themselves downloaded all of that stuff and then blamed their kids for downloading it.

This is why kids don't play with my phone and if I gave my kids a tablet/smartphone it would only received apps I purchased on my device and then gifted to them. Keeps them with no ability to buy crap on their own. Finally, teach your kids that they cannot purchase anything without your direct approval.

I mean its very easy to go on to your cable/sat and buy a movie. But, these companies don't get sued for this. Parents whoop that ass instead.

Can't speak for other cable providers but with Dish Network, there's a code you enter when buying something.  

Now, don't go Jumpin' to conclusions!

Well that's complete crap...... My 4yr old rocks the hell out of my iPad. So much so I bought him his own. He's been using them for two years now. I download apps for him which he asks me first! "daddy can I have this" and they are age appropriate. However, if I download a sesame street app that's free(for my kid) I'd expect the app not to have hidden "chargeable " mini DL items. Parents aren't these mindless robots. We can't attach our eyes to our children 24 hours a day. While parents do need to take an active roll in their childrens daily activities, kids will always find a way to avoid being watched or find ways to "break" the rules. Think of when you were a kid. How many times were you doing something wrong and were right in front of your parents ?

Anyone who says what this user said is also

A) not a parent

B) A non working parent

C) A working parent whom has a nanny or sitter do their job for them.

Bottem line I am personally tired of this whole watch your kid crap people write about. Yes watch what your kid is wearing, the people they call friends, block certain website through the home network, limit cell phone use and other various activities. Either way I could go on and on but apparently I need to wrap this up so I can go back to starring at my child. 

Whats the point of a 15 min window anyways