Mobile phone service websites are catching some heat from more than one advokat and the European Union over hidden, confusing, and deceptive websites that target consumers and children. An investigation started by the EU has determined that more than nine out of every ten websites that sell ringtones and other mobile phone services like wallpapers and games have charges and information which is not stated clearly. In addition, many of these websites are charging a very high rate for international call charges, charging consumers much more than they should. A consumer protection advokat says that misleading and confusing information and charges are responsible for many children and teens signing up believing that they are getting free offers, when instead they are signing up for paid subscriptions and charges they are not aware of. The country of Brussels has started their own investigation into many British websites that have been using confusing and deceptive practices to fool kids into signing up.
Meglena Kuneva, the commissioner for the EU Consumer Commission, announced the investigation results and vowed to make websites and companies change. The investigation covered more than five hundred websites over almost thirty member states as well as Iceland and Norway. More than eight in ten of these websites need to be checked further for EU consumer rule breaches, and advokater for consumers are demanding action. There were many problems found that are in violation of these consumer rules, including pricing information that is unclear or incomplete, using the word free to have consumers sign up for a paid subscription, and hiding terms and conditions in print so small it is all but invisible on the website. A large number of these sites are targeted towards children and teenagers. A lot of the sites did not contain the required trader contact information at all, or it was incomplete or out of date. National authorities will be contacting the companies to have these problems corrected, and an advokat for consumer protection will be watching to ensure this is done. If the companies do not correct the problems, they can face legal action that can include forcing the closure of the website and a large fine. Companies and websites that want to stay open and in business will have a specific time frame to fix any problems, and an advokat predicts that many of these sites will straighten up and follow the rules from this point on, to protect their business and finances.
