The European Union has concluded an 18-month long investigation into 301 websites selling ringtones and wallpapers, resulting in hefty fines and the closure of at least 54 companies.
Italian online companies fared the worst, with Italian authorities imposing around €2 million ($3 million) in fines on nine companies that were in breach of the law.
Some big names were in the mix, including Vodafone, Telecom Italia, Wind, Hutchison 3G and Fox Mobile. The Italian Antitrust Authority said that these companies were fined since the sites were not providing clear information – for example about the number of ringtones available for the price mentioned.
EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva said “this EU-wide investigation was a direct response to hundreds of complaints coming in from parents and consumers from many different EU countries.
“Young people should not have to fall victim to scams like misleading advertising that lure them into ringtone subscriptions they thought were free. And parents should not find nasty surprises in their phone bill, when their children by accident have signed up to more than they have bargained for.”
The EU was investigating issues including cost and disclosure of costs and subscription charges on the website.