Apple dealt class action lawsuit over in-app purchases, child ‘exploitation’
A Pennsylvania father has filed a lawsuit against Apple for allowing in-app purchases in free iPhone games, which he claims allows children to spend real-world money without even knowing it.
Filed by Garen Meguerian of Phoenixville, PA, on behalf of himself and other parents and legal guardians, the lawsuit charges that Apple has enabled unauthorized charges for in-game content, which amounts to “unlawful exploitation” of children, reports Apple Insider. The suit specifically targets games made for iOS devices, like the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch that include the option for digital merchandise.
The games that sparked the lawsuit include Zombie Cafe, Treasure Story and City Story. Through these games, Meguerian’s two daughters, ages 9 and 12, racked up $200 in in-app purchases, for things like “Zombie Toxin,” “Gems” and “City Cash.”