Inglês

Smartphone app inquiry launched in Australia

Australia's Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury said he

would be inviting smartphone owners to name and shame apps

they were unhappy with.

The inquiry will ask whether users are given enough

information about the costs associated with apps before and after

they are downloaded.

In a very short period of time, new mobile devices like

smartphones and tablets have changed the way consumers engage

in commerce, said Mr Bradbury in a statement. At the same time

though, some consumers have raised concerns about aspects of

mobile commerce, particularly when purchases can be made

without much difficulty using stored credit card data.

Mr Bradbury said he was particularly concerned about

apps aimed at children, and that encourage the purchase of virtual

goods and subscriptions.

We have strong consumer laws in Australia that protect

the rights of consumers and place clear obligations on businesses,

he said. This inquiry is an opportunity to look at the adequacy of

existing measures to address any consumer concern.

The inquiry, which will start soon, will be carried out by

the government's Consumer Affairs Advisory Council.

Internet: (adapted).

Based on the text above, judge the following items.

The ease with which purchases can be made on mobile devices is mentioned as a specific concern.