FTC sues Amazon over in-app purchases by children

The Federal Trade Commission sued Amazon.com Inc. on Thursday, alleging the online retailer allowed millions of dollars in unauthorized purchases by children through its mobile-application store.

The suit comes after Amazon refused a proposed settlement by the FTC to institute changes preventing children from accidentally making purchases, according to the Wall Street Journal.

"We are seeking refunds for affected parents and a court order to ensure that Amazon gets parents' consent for in-app purchases," FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez said. "Even Amazon's own employees recognized the serious problem its process created."

Read more from the Wall Street Journal.