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Smartphone App Annoyances: Australians Air Their Grievances about Mobile Applications

Unauthorized purchases, unexpected bills, and recurring subscriptions that won't cancel are problems affecting nearly one-third of the population, involving kids as well.

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Unforeseen expenses like hidden fees, recurring payments without our consent, and unwanted...
Unforeseen expenses like hidden fees, recurring payments without our consent, and unwanted purchases by children are affecting more than one-third of users.

Whoa, App Drama Down Under!

Smartphone App Annoyances: Australians Air Their Grievances about Mobile Applications

Here's the lowdown on the app situation in Australia:

One-third of Aussies have dealt with app hell, from unintentional purchases to subscription snafus. And it's not just the adults clutching their phones in despair - kiddos are racking up charges left and right.

Now, CHOICE, the voice of the Aussie consumer, is standing up for our digital rights. They did a survey on smartphone usage, and here are the highlights:

  • Aussies are split between iOS (48%) and Android (47%) - only 3% use both.
  • Problems revolve around buying apps we didn't want or need, plus struggles with subscriptions and free trials.
  • Kids (especially those under 12) are causing parents the most grief with their accidental purchases.

If you're in this pickle, here's what you should do:

  1. Contact the app store or developer, explaining the unwanted charge.
  2. If you can't get a refund, check out the terms and conditions or app store policies. (Tip: These happen to be subject to Australian consumer protection laws.)
  3. Reach out to consumer protection agencies, like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), if you're still stuck.

But hey, let's talk accountability. CHOICE thinks we need clearer guidelines for app developers and marketplaces, as well as an independent complaint-resolution scheme.

Finally, CHOICE is all about helping Aussies make informed decisions, keeping them one step ahead of any consumer trickery. Don't worry, they're not in it for the self-interest – they're funded by members that trust their unbiased reviews and independent product testing. So, next time you're stuck, remember – you're not alone with CHOICE on board! 😎

P.S.: If you've got something to say or a question to ask, pay a visit to the CHOICE Community forum! 💬👍

Sources:

  1. [Source 1]
  2. [Source 2]
  3. [Source 3]
  4. [Source 4]
  5. [Source 5]
  6. CHOICE, the Australian consumer advocacy group, is advocating for clearer guidelines in the privacy policy and terms and conditions of app developers and marketplaces, as well as an independent complaint-resolution scheme.
  7. Consumers can exercise their choice and protect their consumer rights when dealing with unwanted app charges by first contacting the app store or developer, then checking the terms and conditions or app store policies, and, if necessary, reaching out to consumer protection agencies like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
  8. As driven by member funding, CHOICE's mission is to help Australians make informed decisions about their smartphone usage and gadgets, empowering them to avoid digital deception.
  9. Acknowledging the prevalence of issues related to subscriptions, free trials, and unintended purchases, CHOICE is spearheading campaigns to address the problem, focusing particularly on protecting children from accidental charges on smartphones and other technology.

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