Apple sued over charges within apps for children

A GROUP of parents in the US is waiting to hear the result of a law suit filed against Apple amid claims the iPhone maker is unfairly profiting from app payments in games aimed at children.

The group is hoping to win compensation from the computer giant, and if successful, the ruling could spark a new wave of legal action from disgruntled parents around the world.

According to those involved, the problem stems from the vast number of apps aimed at children available through iTunes.

Many of these games are free to download, but offer some a “game currency”, that can be purchased at the touch of a button.

In some cases, the apps are aimed at children as young as four and often parents are unaware of the charges being made to their iTunes accounts for 24 hours or more.

Apple had called for the case to be dismissed, pointing out that in-app purchasing can now be disabled.

The company changed the security settings on the iPhone last year because of a large number of complaints from parents.

Many games on the iOS platform are free to download but offer game add-ons, some of which cost nearly £70.

The US group said it was too easy for children to run up big bills without “authorisation of their parents”.

Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment on the case.