Independent Senator for South Australia, Nick Xenaphon, has announced his intention to move for tighter regulations preventing children from incurring sizable bills by using real money to pay for in-game products in otherwise free apps.

 

The move by Senator Xenaphon comes after the ABC’s Lateline program found some children are spending in excess of thousands of dollars of real money to buy virtual products, tools and coins, which is debited to their parent’s iTunes accounts without warning.

 

Senator Xenophon said warned these addictive games can normalise gambling behaviour in children, who are often manipulated by colourful graphics and deceptive language to spend money without even realising it.

 

"These apps teach children the core elements of gambling behaviour," Nick said.

 

"Apps developers rely on triggering emotional responses to create an addictive gaming environment for children. These exploitative tactics could have come straight from the poker machine lobby's playbook."

 

Senator Xenophon said that while parental responsibility was important, many parents are not aware of the real costs associated with these apps.

 

"If Apple, Android and others are allowing these apps to be accessed on their devices, then they have a responsibility to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent kids from racking up big debts and developing dangerous addictions," Mr Xenaphon said.