Apple reaches consent decree with U.S. over app purchases

(Reuters) — Apple Inc. will refund consumers at least $32.5 million to settle longstanding complaints that the technology company billed U.S. consumers for charges incurred by children buying mobile apps without their parents' consent.

Under the terms of the settlement, announced on Wednesday by the Federal Trade Commission, Apple also will be required to change its billing practices to ensure it has obtained consent from consumers before charging for items sold in mobile apps.

In an internal memo to employees, Apple CEO Tim Cook explained that the company decided to settle, rather than risk a long and distracting legal battle, because the FTC's proposals aligned with the company's own intended changes.