Parents sue Apple over kids' microtransaction gaming bills

A group of US iDevice owners has filed suit against Apple over bills resulting from in-game microtransactions made by children without "authorisation of their parents".

Although recent updates to iOS have added in extra authorisation steps to counter the problem, the BBC reports US District Judge Edward Davila has denied Apple's motion to dismiss.

The suit takes exception not just to the now-redundant ease with which children can run up credit card bills through apps, but also with the nature of the games themselves.

The group claim certain games have been developed "strategically to induce purchases of Game Currency". Smurfs' Village and Tap Pet Hotel were highlighted as examples.

Parents have also complained that it is difficult to contact and challenge charges made through in-app purchasing.

Thanks, Eurogamer.