Smartphone app inquiry launched in Australia
Australia’s Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury said he would be inviting smartphone owners to “name and shame” apps they were unhappy with.
The inquiry will ask whether users are given enough information about the costs associated with apps before and after they are downloaded.
“In a very short period of time, new mobile devices like smartphones and tablets have changed the way consumers engage in commerce,” said Mr Bradbury in a statement. “At the same time though, some consumers have raised concerns about aspects of mobile commerce, particularly when purchases can be made without much difficulty using stored credit card data.”
Mr Bradbury said he was particularly concerned about apps aimed at children, and that encourage the purchase of virtual goods and subscriptions.
“We have strong consumer laws in Australia that protect the rights of consumers and place clear obligations on businesses,” he said. “This inquiry is an opportunity to look at the adequacy of existing measures to address any consumer concern.”
The inquiry, which will start soon, will be carried out by the government’s Consumer Affairs Advisory Council.
Internet: <www.bbc.co.uk> (adapted).
Based on the text above, judge the following items.
The aim of the inquiry mentioned on the text is to identify apps which do not disclose precise information about costs involved in its use.