Crazy Frog Ringtone Under Fire in UK

The British government has decided to launch an investigation into the sales practices of the "Crazy Frog" ringtone. The move comes after complaints were received from parents of children who claimed they were tricked into signing up for pricey subscription plans by downloading the ringtone.

Regulators say over 100 complaints have been received against MBlox, the company that sells the ringtones in the UK. The ringtone was created by Jamster, which has already been sued in California for a similar complaint.

Crazy Frog itself has become widely popular in Britain and made history as the first ringtone to cross over onto the music charts and reach number 1 above Coldplay.

Consumers who attempt to download the ringtone may be also purchasing a 3 pound per week subscription plan, which is equivalent to about USD $20 per month. However, MBlox does not make it clear that the ringtone is part of a subscription service.

"If it's a subscription service, that has to be made perfectly clear," a spokesman for Icstis, the regulating body, told reporters.

Other than the subscription service issues, MBlox may face further restrictions if it is found to be targeting children under 16, which Icstis has reason to believe it does. "Because it is a cartoon character, to us that seems arguably targeted at children."

MBlox was unavailable for comment by press time.