Following outrage among parents, the EU asked both Google and Apple to implement changes to the way apps are sold. The issue was mainly regarding free apps that are loaded with in-app purchases and those that can lure children into spending real dollars. The EU also wants explicit info to be shown regarding purchases and for both companies to force game developers to provide contact information.
According to the European Commission, Google is already beginning to address some of the issues with in-app purchases. The search giant will begin implementing changes as early as September with regards to free-to-play games with in-app purchases being labeled as such, along with offering up new guidelines for developers to protect children. Google will also be adding measures to monitor breaches of EU law in order to stay on top of the situation.
Apple, on the other hand, hasn't done anything yet, according to the EU. While the company has said that it promised to deal with the problem, we are yet to see or hear anything concrete at this point. However, Apple has had its fair share of similar issues with the FCC, so it is likely only a matter of time before Cupertino complies to the EU's new decision. Apple was previously forced to add alerts to notify customers of in-app purchases and various parental controls following pressure from the FCC.
In a recent statement, regarding the the EU's comments, Apple simply noted the importance of its parental controls and how its features are far beyond that of its competitors. It also added that it will be working with countries in the EU on an individual basis in response to in-app purchase concerns, among other things.