In-app purchases not always parent-controlled: Parents bear no universal responsibility for child's digital purchases
In the digital age, children and teenagers are increasingly engaging with mobile games, many of which offer in-app purchases. As a parent, it's essential to understand the implications and take necessary steps to prevent unexpected expenses.
Firstly, it's important to note that children and teenagers aged 7 to 18 are at least partially legally competent, requiring parental consent for valid contracts, including in-game purchases. However, Germany has a "pocket money paragraph" that allows children and teenagers aged 7 and above to freely use their pocket money for in-app purchases, provided the legal guardians agree with the purpose.
However, prior approval is not necessary for in-app purchases if they are made with the child's pocket money. But, the pocket money paragraph does not apply if the amount spent is too high or a subscription is concluded.
In-app purchases can quickly accumulate costs, and it's recommended to avoid storing payment data on your child's device to prevent unauthorized in-app purchases. Alexander Wahl from the European Consumer Centre Germany (EVZ) advises parents to be mindful of games that encourage spending money.
To prevent problems, parents can secure in-app purchases with a password or disable them completely in the app store. Additionally, using prepaid cards from app stores can help control expenses, as payments that exceed the credit cannot then be made.
Mobile network providers themselves do not directly limit in-app purchase costs through their contracts, but parents can request a third-party blocking (Drittanbietersperre) from their mobile operators to prevent charges via carrier billing. Major providers in Germany typically offer such blocking services on request to control or block third-party charges including in-app purchases.
If children have made a purchase unsupervised, parents should object as soon as possible. In such cases, the burden of proof for unauthorized in-game purchases lies with the parents. If children use their parents' access or credit card data in-app purchases, parents must prove they did not make the purchase themselves, according to Alexander Wahl.
To avoid automatic billing via the phone bill (so-called "carrier billing"), parents should avoid storing payment data on their child's device or lock it in the app store if the child plays via their account. It's also advisable to monitor your children's online activities and set parental controls on your devices to limit in-app purchases or restrict access to certain games.
If parents object to an unauthorized in-app purchase, they should contact the game company to dispute the charge. If you find yourself in this situation, it's crucial to act promptly to minimise any financial loss.
Popular free-to-play games like Fortnite, Brawl Stars, or Clash of Clans can involve in-app purchases for special equipment, currencies, or to bypass waiting times. While these games can provide hours of entertainment for your children, it's essential to manage in-app purchases responsibly to avoid unexpected expenses.
In Germany, children under 7 years old are not legally competent and cannot conclude valid contracts such as in-game purchases. This provides an additional layer of protection for younger children, but parents should still be vigilant and educate themselves about the games their children are playing.
By following these guidelines, parents can ensure their children enjoy mobile games while minimising the risk of unexpected expenses.
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