Consumer information on online games provides the General Secretariat for Consumers and reminds that advice on consumer matters in Greece are provided through the 1520.gov.gr website and the 1520 Consumer Line.
As reported on the Secretariat General's website, the relevant information is courtesy of the Competition and Markets Authority of the United Kingdom and is based on the "Top Tips for consumers on online games" brochure.
The General Secretariat for Consumers advises:
1. Check them settings
Before handing over the device to your child, check the payment options settings carefully. If you enter your personal password in order to authorize a single payment, there is a possibility that a payment window will open in which the code your will not be necessary, i.e. it will not be requested again for subsequent payments. In this case you have the option to change this setting so that your personal password is required for each of your purchases. Do not share your personal password with anyone, in case someone makes a purchase against their 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
Πολλά παιχνίδια επιτρέπουν στους παίκτες 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 your child, consider whether you want the ability to communicate with people they may not know to be available, and whether there are any restrictions or security features in the game that prevent communication.
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
