FTC finalizes order demanding Google refund $19M in kids’ in-app purchases

Today the FCC approved a final ruling requiring Google to reimburse consumers for unauthorized purchases made by their kids in the Google Play store.

The approved order comes after the FTC opened up the decision to public response.

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As a result of the order, Google is required to return $19 million worth of fraudulent charges to consumers within a year. The search giant must refund no less than $19 million to consumers. If the search giant fails to return the determined sum, the company will be required to hand over the remaining money to the FTC, which will take care of any additional refunds. The settlement was first announced in September.

The original complaint alleged that, when Google made in-app purchasing available in 2011, it didn’t require a password to make purchases. Even when the company did eventually add password authentication, it failed to alert consumers that when they logged into the store to make a purchase, they would remain logged-in for 30 minutes. This enabled children to make purchases without parental consent.

Read more: With the regulators looming, Google Play now shows a price range for in-app purchases