Apple amends in-app purchases

Tech giant Apple has amended its in-app purchase policy after customers complained their children were buying items in games and other programs that racked up huge bills.

The company told the Washington Post late last week that the new iOS 4.3 software includes a feature that will require a password when in-app purchases are made.

“We are proud to have industry-leading parental controls with iOS,” a spokesperson said. “With iOS 4.3, in addition to a password being required to purchase an app on the App Store, a re-entry of your password is now required when making an in-app purchase.”

Parents had complained of bills worth hundreds of dollars due to their children buying in-app items without realising they were actually spending money.

The Washington state attorney general’s office welcomed the announcement.