Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone
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wrote on 30 Jun 2021, 17:57 last edited by
Doctor is forced to sell the family car after his son, seven, ran up a £1,300 Apple bill playing DreamWorks Dragons game for an hour on iPhone
Muhammad Mutaza, 41, from North Wales, handed £1,289.70 Apple iTunes bill
Son Ashaz bought series of in-app purchases while playing mobile phone game
The father has now had to sell his Toyota Aygo car in order to cover the cost
A father was forced to sell his family car after his seven-year-old son unwittingly ran up a bill of nearly £1,300 while playing a game on his iPhone.
Muhammad Mutaza, 41, from Colwyn Bay, North Wales, was handed the £1,289.70 Apple iTunes bill after his son Ashaz made a series of in-app purchases while playing a free version of the DreamWorks mythical monster game Dragons: Rise of Berk.
The consultant endocrinologist, who initially believed he had been 'scammed', has now had to sell his Toyota Aygo car in order to cover the cost of the purchases.
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wrote on 30 Jun 2021, 18:10 last edited by
Not possible on my Apple account. I just don’t want anything to be billable.
So many areas are automatic and auto renew, one needs to do as much preventive work as possible.
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wrote on 30 Jun 2021, 19:47 last edited by Doctor Phibes
@copper said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
The consultant endocrinologist
A consultant endocrinologist doesn't have 1300 quid?
Something's out of whack there, even with NHS wages.
Also, you'd think the asshole software company would let him off - it's not like it's actually costing them anything to give the kid all that shit.
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wrote on 30 Jun 2021, 20:29 last edited by
Why did he stop at the phone, why not a gun and the car too?
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wrote on 30 Jun 2021, 20:44 last edited by
@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
Why did he stop at the phone, why not a gun and the car too?
He's in Wales. They don't let doctors have guns over there. Letting them near scalpels is dangerous enough already.
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wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 09:38 last edited by
He added: 'It literally had almost maxed out my credit card, and these days you live on your credit card.
MDs??? Seems only true if they choose to do it.
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wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 09:49 last edited by
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
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There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 13:15 last edited by@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
How is it Apple’s fault? I’m not saying it isn’t but curious as to the rationale.
There is Apple ID for kids for example.
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@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
How is it Apple’s fault? I’m not saying it isn’t but curious as to the rationale.
There is Apple ID for kids for example.
wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 13:30 last edited by@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
How is it Apple’s fault? I’m not saying it isn’t but curious as to the rationale.
There is Apple ID for kids for example.
They create or publish a 'free' game aimed at kids that can run up over 1000GBP in charges in the space of an hour, and this is OK?
No, obviously, it's completely fucked up. They didn't provide anybody with 1000 pounds worth of product. They shouldn't keep the money.
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@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
How is it Apple’s fault? I’m not saying it isn’t but curious as to the rationale.
There is Apple ID for kids for example.
They create or publish a 'free' game aimed at kids that can run up over 1000GBP in charges in the space of an hour, and this is OK?
No, obviously, it's completely fucked up. They didn't provide anybody with 1000 pounds worth of product. They shouldn't keep the money.
wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 13:34 last edited by@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
How is it Apple’s fault? I’m not saying it isn’t but curious as to the rationale.
There is Apple ID for kids for example.
They create or publish a 'free' game aimed at kids that can run up over 1000GBP in charges in the space of an hour, and this is OK?
No, obviously, it's completely fucked up. They didn't provide anybody with 1000 pounds worth of product. They shouldn't keep the money.
Cool. Is it their game or a third party app? Sorry I am being lazy.
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@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
How is it Apple’s fault? I’m not saying it isn’t but curious as to the rationale.
There is Apple ID for kids for example.
They create or publish a 'free' game aimed at kids that can run up over 1000GBP in charges in the space of an hour, and this is OK?
No, obviously, it's completely fucked up. They didn't provide anybody with 1000 pounds worth of product. They shouldn't keep the money.
Cool. Is it their game or a third party app? Sorry I am being lazy.
wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 13:45 last edited by@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
How is it Apple’s fault? I’m not saying it isn’t but curious as to the rationale.
There is Apple ID for kids for example.
They create or publish a 'free' game aimed at kids that can run up over 1000GBP in charges in the space of an hour, and this is OK?
No, obviously, it's completely fucked up. They didn't provide anybody with 1000 pounds worth of product. They shouldn't keep the money.
Cool. Is it their game or a third party app? Sorry I am being lazy.
It's not their game. Apple specifically encourages parents to limit their children's screen time, and provides tools within the OS to track that. There are also parental controls regarding content. Apple is among the most socially conscious companies, and while I agree they should refund this doctor's money, they are powerless to correct his poor parenting.
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@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
How is it Apple’s fault? I’m not saying it isn’t but curious as to the rationale.
There is Apple ID for kids for example.
They create or publish a 'free' game aimed at kids that can run up over 1000GBP in charges in the space of an hour, and this is OK?
No, obviously, it's completely fucked up. They didn't provide anybody with 1000 pounds worth of product. They shouldn't keep the money.
Cool. Is it their game or a third party app? Sorry I am being lazy.
wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 13:46 last edited by@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
How is it Apple’s fault? I’m not saying it isn’t but curious as to the rationale.
There is Apple ID for kids for example.
They create or publish a 'free' game aimed at kids that can run up over 1000GBP in charges in the space of an hour, and this is OK?
No, obviously, it's completely fucked up. They didn't provide anybody with 1000 pounds worth of product. They shouldn't keep the money.
Cool. Is it their game or a third party app? Sorry I am being lazy.
Well, it's a 3rd party app - but either Ludia or Apple ought to do something. They're both making money off of this. In fact, I think maybe Horace needs to step in.
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@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
How is it Apple’s fault? I’m not saying it isn’t but curious as to the rationale.
There is Apple ID for kids for example.
They create or publish a 'free' game aimed at kids that can run up over 1000GBP in charges in the space of an hour, and this is OK?
No, obviously, it's completely fucked up. They didn't provide anybody with 1000 pounds worth of product. They shouldn't keep the money.
Cool. Is it their game or a third party app? Sorry I am being lazy.
Well, it's a 3rd party app - but either Ludia or Apple ought to do something. They're both making money off of this. In fact, I think maybe Horace needs to step in.
wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 14:06 last edited by@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
There's something funny about this story. A consultant doctor with a 1300 pound credit limit that's maxed out?
My guess is the reason he's publicising this is to try and shame Apple into letting him off, just as they should.
How is it Apple’s fault? I’m not saying it isn’t but curious as to the rationale.
There is Apple ID for kids for example.
They create or publish a 'free' game aimed at kids that can run up over 1000GBP in charges in the space of an hour, and this is OK?
No, obviously, it's completely fucked up. They didn't provide anybody with 1000 pounds worth of product. They shouldn't keep the money.
Cool. Is it their game or a third party app? Sorry I am being lazy.
Well, it's a 3rd party app - but either Ludia or Apple ought to do something. They're both making money off of this. In fact, I think maybe Horace needs to step in.
Has anyone looked at the details? Does the app adequately warn you that you are about to spend a bunch of money?
If I hand my phone to a 7 year old should vendors be responsible for what happens?
Gut says screw that vendor but the father has a ton to learn.
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wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 14:11 last edited by
Free gaming apps for kids with in-app purchases is the dominant model for game apps.
They tell you the cost before you click ok. The way normal parents deal is to make sure the kid understands he can’t do it without permission. If he’s not old enough to follow that rule, he shouldn’t use your phone.
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wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 14:15 last edited by
Obviously, what the father did wasn't good, and he certainly isn't blameless, but my point is that the company didn't provide 1000 pounds of value, in fact not even 50 GBP of value, so they ought to do something.
Apart from anything else, it's terrible PR.
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wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 15:14 last edited by
The parent should understand that he is giving the boy access to his credit.
Is this common that a relatively competent adult doesn't get this?
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wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 15:29 last edited by Doctor Phibes 7 Jan 2021, 15:29
I don't think it stretches the bounds of credibility that somebody would be unaware that a game rated for 4-year olds to play would ask for 100 pound purchases during the game.
This is a stupid kids game, not video editing software. It's highway robbery.
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Obviously, what the father did wasn't good, and he certainly isn't blameless, but my point is that the company didn't provide 1000 pounds of value, in fact not even 50 GBP of value, so they ought to do something.
Apart from anything else, it's terrible PR.
wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 17:41 last edited by@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
Obviously, what the father did wasn't good, and he certainly isn't blameless, but my point is that the company didn't provide 1000 pounds of value, in fact not even 50 GBP of value, so they ought to do something.
Apart from anything else, it's terrible PR.
That’s a great point. Apple should make a statement and drop any vendor in their marketplace that abuses the privilege.
Apple has earned a ton of trust, but that has been through active acts.
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@doctor-phibes said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
Obviously, what the father did wasn't good, and he certainly isn't blameless, but my point is that the company didn't provide 1000 pounds of value, in fact not even 50 GBP of value, so they ought to do something.
Apart from anything else, it's terrible PR.
That’s a great point. Apple should make a statement and drop any vendor in their marketplace that abuses the privilege.
Apple has earned a ton of trust, but that has been through active acts.
wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 18:50 last edited by@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
Apple has earned a ton of trust
From what I can tell Apple is hated by it's App developers
Of which, I was one for 13 years up until a few weeks ago.
Of course I hated them, but I left because I shut down my business.
Apple has just doubled the amount it pays developers (who gross under $1 million per year in sales). A clear indication of their, hopefully reformed, selfish behavior.
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@loki said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
Apple has earned a ton of trust
From what I can tell Apple is hated by it's App developers
Of which, I was one for 13 years up until a few weeks ago.
Of course I hated them, but I left because I shut down my business.
Apple has just doubled the amount it pays developers (who gross under $1 million per year in sales). A clear indication of their, hopefully reformed, selfish behavior.
wrote on 1 Jul 2021, 19:28 last edited by@copper said in Don't give your 7-year-old an iPhone:
From what I can tell Apple is hated by it's App developers
While they sell their products in a market mostly created by Apple. Sad.