Bad smartphone apps reported to Consumer Affairs Advisory Council

SMARTPHONE apps that fail to work or have hidden charges will be the target of a new government inquiry.

SMARTPHONE apps that fail to work or have hidden charges will be the target of a new government inquiry.

Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury will refer mobile commerce and the use of apps for entertainment, banking and shopping to the federal government's Consumer Affairs Advisory Council today.

He is urging the public to "name and shame" app vendors who sell apps that don't work, are inappropriate or contain hidden charges.

The inquiry will look into different ways to improve parental controls on apps, as many can easily be downloaded by children using stored credit card details on smartphones or tablets.

"While consumers are using mobile devices and apps to help them shop and access services, some consumers have also expressed concern at the way some apps require you to make additional purchases to keep the app functioning, without properly disclosing the situation," Mr Bradbury said.

"We're inviting people to come forward and name and shame some of the worst offenders."