Apple has changed its policy on In-App Purchases in iOS 4.3, requiring users to re-enter their iTunes Store password in order to complete an In-App Purchase, according to The Washington Post. Previously, there was a 15 minute window after entering an iTunes Store password when users would not be asked to re-enter it should they make another purchase.
Problems with children running up massive bills via In-App Purchases were widely recognized late last year when the Associated Press ran a story highlighting the problem. The article singled out “The Smurfs’ Village” game by Capcom as one of the most egregious offenders, as it was openly aimed at children yet contained In-App Purchases priced for as much as $60.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said last month that it would review the marketing and delivery of certain applications built around In-App Purchases; it is unclear whether such a review will still be necessary given Apple’s new policy change.