iGaming Business – The UK’s Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has published a set of principles for online and in-app games and has given developers a deadline of April 1 to ensure their games do not breach consumer protection law.
The final principles state that consumers should be told up front about any costs associated with a game or about in-game advertising as well as any important information such as whether personal data will be shared with other parties for marketing purposes.
In addition, the OFT has also ordered developers to make clear that in-game payments are not authorised and should not be take unless the payment account holder gives their informed consent.
The OFT said that failure to comply with its final principles could risk enforcement action.
In addition, the OFT has also published guidance for parents that will help them ensure children are not pressured into making in-game purchases and reduce the risk of them making unauthorised payments.
Parents have been advised to check the ‘payment options’ on their device and ensure a password is needed for each purchase.
The OFT also suggests that parents play games themselves to see what their children will see and check if there are any in-game purchases or social elements.
Parents have also been warned about the possibility of game updates and that they should regularly check the game to see if they are happy about their children playing a game.
The principles and parental advice come after the OFT completed an investigation into the online gaming and app industry.
Clive Maxwell, chief executive officer of the OFT, said that although many children enjoy playing such games, the creative sector has also brought “wider economic benefits”.
“The online and apps based games industry has already made significant improvements during our consultation process,” Maxwell said. “But it still needs to do more to protect children and treat its customers fairly.
“Our principles make clear the type of practices that games-makers and platform operators should avoid. Parents and carers have an important role to help protect their child and their bank balance.
“Our advice is that parents check their device settings, play their child’s games themselves and read the game’s description online. Parents will also be encouraged to report concerns to Citizens Advice.”
