Two years ago parents were suing Apple because their kids were able to make in-app purchases without parental knowledge. In February Apple agreed to a settle the lawsuits. Now Apple has launched a website to follow through on that settlement, according to Gamasutra.
Parents whose children bought made in-app purchases without the parents’ knowledge can chose from a few options:
Receive one $5 iTunes store credit
iTunes store credit equal to the amount spent for the in-game purchase the child made without the parental awareness “within a single 45 day period”
If you no longer have an iTunes account, you may receive a cash refund instead of store credit
If your claim is more than $30 then you may receive a cash refund instead of store credit.
According to the website if a claim is made after the 45 day period there will be additional requirements.
January 13, 2014 is the deadline to submit a claim.
If a parent is not sure whether or not they qualify for the settlement there is a “Qualified App Search” page that lists all of the games which are a part of the settlement.
The lawsuit centered on apps which prompted players to buy in-game currency—games that require real-life money to buy currency used within a specific game.
Among the games included were “Smurfs’ Village,” “Angry Birds” and “Clash of Clans.”
“Smurf’s Village” now has a disclaimer which lets parents know of the possibility of in-game purchases.
For the website click here.
