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The Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC), led by the European Commission, launched actions against the company Stable Star Entertainment To guarantee a safer and clearer experience for users of the stable popular online game. This decision comes after a complaint filed by the Swedish consumer association on potentially harmful commercial practicesespecially directed towards minors.
The evaluation of the CPC network revealed multiple offenses European consumer protection standards in the game. These practices, which particularly affect children, include few transparent methods linked to virtual currencies and deceptive marketing strategies that violate current legislation in the European Union.
The European Union requires changes
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Clear prices and pre-contractual information
It is essential that consumers receive complete and understandable data on the real cost of the content and digital services before formalizing a purchase. This includes the exposure of all contracts, taxes and contractual conditions in an accessible and unambiguous way, so that the user can make informed decisions.
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Transparency in the presentation of costs and content
Companies must avoid any practice that hides the costs associated with digital content and game services. This implies that additional costs should not be incorporated or forced to buy virtual money without the consumer having prior knowledge, thus guaranteeing an honest and open commercial relationship.
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Respect for the right to withdraw consumers
Users must have the possibility of canceling or renouncing the purchase within a reasonable time and without excessive penalties. Information on this right must be clearly specified in the pre-contractual phase, allowing consumers to correct their decision if they feel dissatisfied or if they were wrong in the purchase.
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Protection of vulnerable consumer, especially children
Given that minors are particularly sensitive, it is essential to avoid any advertising message or technique which encourages them directly to acquire a virtual currency or content of the game. In addition, adult persuasion must be prohibited from buying for them, protecting children from aggressive campaigns and preventing them from taking advantage of their vulnerability.
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Avoid excessive pressure techniques
Marketing strategies that use pressure tactics, such as limited time offers, must be reconsidered, especially when they go to an audience for children. These practices can induce an impulsive purchase and spend more than expected, which violates the decision -making capacity of young users.
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Clear information adapted to children on the purchase and use of virtual currency
It is essential that, in games, information related to purchases and the use of virtual currency is presented transparently and adapted to the level of understanding of children. This will help avoid misunderstandings because young consumers do not spend more than they were planning, promoting responsible digital education.
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Transparency in promotion and commercial content by influencers
Companies must ensure that influencers that promote their products clearly and visible when the content is commercial. This is particularly important to protect children, prevent them from influenced by undeniable marketing strategies and guarantee that advertising information is always identifiable.
In response to this coordinated research, the CPC network asked Star Stable Entertainment to modify its commercial practices to fully comply with European regulations. In addition, the European Commission has presented new principles They seek to help the video game industry align with community standards on virtual currencies and to better protect consumers.
