In the latest story illustrating the government’s insistence at sticking its nose where it doesn’t belong, Industrygamers reports that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is “investgating” Apple’s iOS in-app purchases to see if they pass muster with the Feds.

[ad#Google Adsense 300×250 in story]But this isn’t over what you might think. Publishers and developers bitch about how Apple’s new subscription service is going to put them out of business because of Apple’s 30 percent cut, but the Federals are more interested in knowing how Apple is facilitating the illicit trafficking of Smurfberries to innocent children.

Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) set the wheels of government bureaucracy in motion after reading an article in a newspaper, according to the report. Markey claimed the Washington Post “broke the story earlier this month,” apparently missing Associated Press articles about Smurfs’ Village in-app purchases that have been circulating since December.

Nefarious eight year old hacker uses clever social engineering tactics to overcome Apple safeguards

Markey sent a letter to the FTC after the Washington Post published an article earlier this month suggesting that an eight year old girl had rung up $1,400 in in-game purchases while playing an iPhone game called Smurfs’ Village.

The game, developed by Capcom, uses an in-app purchase mechanism that enables players to acquire new items using Smurfberries, which are purchased for real money.

Apple password-protects in-app purchases and also enables parents to restrict in-app purchases all together. In fact, Apple has been at the forefront of tightening restrictions on how purchases can be made, and its system is a great model for handheld and casual gaming.

The article indicates that the girl at the center of the controversy was able to use her parents’ password by asking her older sister. Obviously an issue that’s Apple’s fault, and definitely worthy of thorough government investigation.

Little Madison’s mother, meanwhile, complains that the game “preyed on children,” apparently oblivious to her incompetence at securing her mobile device.

FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz wrote back to Rep. Markey. “Let me assure you we will look closely at the current industry practice with respect to the marketing and delivery of these types of applications,” he responded.

“I am pleased that the FTC has responded, and as the use of mobile apps continues to increase, I will continue to actively monitor developments in this important area,” said Markey.

We at The Loop are delighted to know that protectors of freedom like Congressmen Ed Markey of Massachusetts are watching out for the consumer and keeping the gears of government turning by keeping a careful eye out on two-month old tech stories and making mountains from molehills no matter where they be.