EU authorities probe nine gaming firms over in-game purchases
European consumer protection bodies have opened a coordinated investigation into video game companies, separate from Australian scrutiny of child safety on gaming platforms.
What happened
Nine online gaming companies, including the makers of Candy Crush, Minecraft, and Clash of Clans, are being investigated by European consumer authorities, including Ireland's CCPC, for potential breaches of consumer protection law.1
The European Commission says the coordinated action follows guidelines on EU consumer law aimed at promoting transparency and fairness.2
Separately, Australia's eSafety Commission has said it identified gaps in harmful content detection, repeat-offender prevention, and information-sharing on some gaming platforms, and has told gaming companies to improve on child safety.3
Key points
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed named all nine companies under investigation beyond the makers of Candy Crush, Minecraft, and Clash of Clans.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported responses from the gaming companies named.
- The European and Australian actions are reported separately, and the sources reviewed do not clarify whether these are linked or coordinated with each other.
Why it matters
The EU action is described by the European Commission as following guidelines on consumer law intended to promote transparency and fairness in in-game purchases.2
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Europe
- 1RTÉ NewsIEPublic broadcaster
Middle East & Turkey
- 2Anadolu AgencyTRState-controlled
EU consumer authorities launch coordinated action targeting video game companies
Oceania
- 3ABC News (Australia)AUPublic broadcaster
Live: Gaming giants told to 'lift their game' on child safety