Consumer information on online games provides the General Secretariat for Consumer Affairs and recalls that advice on consumer issues in Greece is provided through 1520.gov.gr and 1520 Consumer Line.
As stated on the website of the General Secretariat, the relevant information is kindly provided permission of the Competition and Markets Authority of the United Kingdom and is based on the booklet entitled "Top Tips for consumers on online games".
The General Secretariat for Consumers advises:
1. Check them settings
Before you deliver the device to your child, check your payment options properly. If you enter your personal password in order to approve an individual payment, there is the possibility of opening a payment window where your password will not be necessary, ie it will not be re-requested for subsequent payments. In this case, you have the option to change this setting so your personal password is required for each purchase. Do not share your personal passcode with anyone, do not buy someone without your will.
2. Read the description of the game
The game's description either in the app store or on the game's own website should indicate whether it is possible to make purchases within the game itself, its main features and any other information that is important to you before downloading it for your child or allow him / her to create an account. Read this information to check that you are in principle happy with the game so your child can play.
3. Check to see if the game contains social features
Many games allow players να διασυνδέονται μεταξύ τους, είτε μέσω του παιχνιδιού, είτε μέσα από πλατφόρμες κοινωνικής δικτύωσης. Στην περίπτωση που ένα παιχνίδι παρέχει αυτή τη δυνατότητα, θα πρέπει να σας είναι ξεκάθαρο από την αρχική του περιγραφή. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη την age του παιδιού σας, σκεφθείτε αν θέλετε να είναι διαθέσιμη η δυνατότητα επικοινωνίας του με άτομα που μπορεί να μη γνωρίζει, όπως επίσης εάν υπάρχουν κάποιοι περιορισμοί ή χαρακτηριστικά ασφαλείας στο παιχνίδι που να αποτρέπουν την επικοινωνία.
4. Play the game first
The best way to get a sense of what your child will see when playing the game is to play it yourself. You can check whether you think its content will be suitable for your child and make sure there are no elements that will mislead or put undue pressure on them to make purchases. Ask your child about the toys he plays and if there is anything about them that makes him unhappy. Please note that game content may change through updates, so you should regularly check that you are satisfied with the game your child is playing and that it remains suitable for them.
5. Check your accounts
If you find your account billed without your consent or without your consent, first contact the platform manager or the game vendor. This will give them the opportunity to discover what is happening and to fix any problems that are due to them. If you are not satisfied with their response, please contact the General Secretariat of Consumer (1520 Consumer Line) for further information and advice on your legal rights.
Source: kathimerini.gr
