14 DAY TRIAL // After carrying a study on a total of 558 web pages that specialize in providing mobile phone ringtones and wallpapers, the EU has found that a staggering 80% of them are suspicious. The study, which was conducted at the beginning of June on all 27 EU member states, has revealed that most of these sites fail to provide adequate information about the products they market.
As of yesterday, the 17th of July, the EU has launched an official investigation in the matter and punitive measures will be taken in any case found to be in breach of EU consumer rules, measures such as handing out a hefty fine or shutting down the site.
The countries harboring the largest number of suspicious sites are the UK, the Czech Republic and Romania.
Meglena Kuneva, EU Consumer Commissioner, comments: "Far too many people are falling victim to costly surprises from mysterious charges, fees and ringtone subscriptions they learn about for the first time when they see their mobile phone bill. We need to get a clear message out, particularly to teenagers and children -- be on your guard. It's all about the small print. There are many reputable traders out there, but to be safe buying these services, check the fine print every time and make sure you are not signing up for more than you bargained for."
It seems that children and young adults are the ones who appreciate these products the most, and consequently are the most affected. For example products that are advertised as free by some sites, are anything but free. Instead of getting a ringtone for not cost at all, you end up paying for a hefty subscription.
In the future the investigation will target other EU member states, such as Denmark, Spain, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Portugal, Finland and Sweden. Web sites from these 10 countries will be put under sever scrutiny, and any issued will be rapidly addressed.