Parents were not too happy to read their credit card bills and see multiple charges for in-app purchases made by their children without their knowledge. Apple already paid back those angry parents for their children's spending sprees and Google will follow suit to the tune of $19 million.
Google agreed to settle a Federal Trade Commission case and reimburse Android mobile device owners unfairly billed for their children's in-app purchases through the Google Play app store, according to the agency. The company will also change its billing practice so customers have to give "informed consent" before Google charges them for purchases made within mobile apps.
"We've already made product changes to ensure people have the best Google Play experience possible," a Google spokeswoman wrote PC World. "We're glad to put this matter behind us so we can focus on creating more ways for people to enjoy all the entertainment they love."
The FTC made a similar settlement with Apple in January. The company agreed to a nearly $32.5 million refund for unauthorized purchases through the App Store. Parents were unaware that children could make additional purchases for 15 minutes after they initially entered their passwords.
The trade commission also hit Amazon with a lawsuit in July under the same circumstances.
"For millions of American families, smartphones and tablets have become a part of their daily lives," said FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez. "As more Americans embrace mobile technology, it's vital to remind companies that time-tested consumer protections still apply, including that consumers should not be charged for purchases they did not authorize."
