Apple has begun reaching out to iTunes users, offering refunds to users who may have had unauthorized in-app purchases “made by a minor.” All requests need to be submitted by April 15th.
Users who believe they deserve a refund are directed to obtain the refund via a form available at a special link.
The email reads as follows:
Dear iTunes account owner,
Apple is committed to providing parents and kids with a great experience on the App Store. We review all app content before allowing it on our store, provide a wide range of age-appropriate content, and include parental controls in iOS to make it easy for parents to restrict or disable access to content.
We’ve heard from some customers that it was too easy for their kids to make in-app purchases. As a result, we’ve improved controls for parents so they can better manage their children’s purchases, or restrict them entirely. Additionally, we are offering refunds in certain cases.
Please follow the steps to submit a refund request:
Find your in-app purchase records. Check your email for iTunes receipts or use a computer to sign in to your iTunes account and view your Purchase History.
Use this link to submit your refund request to Apple.
Provide the requested information and enter “Refund for in-App Purchases made by a minor” in the Details section.
Apple will review your request and contact you via email about your refund status. All refund requests must be submitted no later than April 15, 2015.
Apple’s agreement with the FTC, signed in January, requires the company to provide full refunds to parents of children who purchased unauthorized in-app items. The refunds will total $32 million.
