Apple gives free app trials in Taiwan

In what Taiwanese officials lauded as a victory for consumers, Apple Inc. revised its App Store service to allow a seven-day free trial period for iPhone and iPad users based in Taipei. The service is only available in Taiwan, whose Consumer Protection Act requires a free trial period of at least seven days for items purchased on the Web, Taipei Times reported. Apple said customers could return apps for a full refund within seven days of purchase, but customers who return the apps will no longer be authorized to use them , the report said. Taipei City Government Law and Regulation Commission Director Yeh Ching-yuan said the development is “a victory for customers in Taiwan and the commission will continue with its efforts to defend the rights of customers." “We expect Google to follow Apple’s lead and give us a positive response on the matter," Yeh said. Earlier, the commission demanded that Apple and Google Inc. start offering a seven-day free trial period for customers, citing the Consumer Protection Act. Last June 4, the city government gave Apple and Google a 15-day grace period to include seven-day free trial mechanism. So far, only Apple has complied. On the other hand, Google was fined NT$1 million (US$34,550) by the city government for refusing to cooperate. Google removed the paid app section from its online store in Taiwan. Google sent its Android policy counsel to discuss the issue with the commission on June 30. Yeh said the commission had not heard from Google since last month’s meeting. — TJD, GMA News