Apple (News - Alert) has recently notified its iTunes users of its $100 million in-app purchase settlement . In-app purchases are free mobile applications that attempt to rope its customers into buying power-ups, restricted levels, virtual money, special characters and boosts. These are purchases made from within the mobile applications in which a mobile platform provider facilitates the purchase and accumulates a percentage of the money with the rest going to the app developer.

Unfortunately, it becomes very easy for minors to buy in-app purchases and to do so without the consent of their parents or guardians.

The “Apple In-App Purchase Litigation Administrator” recently sent out an e-mail with information regarding the settlement and deadlines for submitting payment requests. “If your iTunes account was charged for an in-app purchase made by a minor in a game app without your knowledge or permission, you could be entitled to benefits under a class action settlement.”

According to the e-mail, those who are involved within the settlement “may choose between (a) a single $5 iTunes Store credit or (b) a credit equal to the total amount of Game Currency that a minor charged to your iTunes account without your knowledge or permission within a single forty-five (45) day period, less any refund you previously received. A cash refund in lieu of an iTunes Store credit is available if (a) you no longer have an active iTunes account, or (b) your claims exceed $30 in total. Additional requirements for claiming charges after the forty-five (45) day period apply. You must complete a valid Claim Form to receive settlement benefits.”

In the past it has been said that in-app advertising is extremely effective but unfortunately, while mobile app usage increases, there is a lack of reliable app measurement to support it. Bad analytics are slowing the mobile app economy and growth for in-app ad spending. What if in-app ads were to work best with minors? Then Apple has hurt that path of income.

Apple recommends that parents implement parental controls to prevent minors from charging in-app purchases to their iTunes account.

To claim a settlement benefit, one must submit a valid Claim Form on or before January 13, 2014.