The world has changed a lot from when we were kids. These days, many children play games and use apps on their phones to pass the time, and we’ve become so used to it that we don’t consider the risks involved. If you learn that a stranger knows your kid’s every move, then you’d immediately call the police.
However, a similar invasion of privacy happens every day, and most parents aren’t even aware of it. Join us as we look at the data collection of apps your kids use, the laws surrounding it, and what you can do to prevent it.
Understanding Data Collection in Kids’ Apps
We always hear about apps collecting data but never consider the risks it can hold for our children. A Berkley-affiliated study shows that a fifth of the kids’ apps collect information.
This information includes the child’s name, birth date, biometrics, location, email address, purchase history, and app interactions. Companies often use this information for their marketing campaigns.
Still, it can also become exposed online, and there are several risks to exposing kids’ data online. Predatory behavior and scams by cybercriminals are common. It’s perilous among children who don’t know the dangers of clicking on random links and advertisements.
That’s why it’s essential to know how to remove information from the internet to keep your kid safe. You can also learn more about your rights and how these apps collect the data.
Understanding the Laws and Compliance for Children’s Apps
North America is the third most data-hungry country, with the US being the region where apps collect the most information. However, some laws try to prevent the exploitation of kids’ data.
App developers must comply with various laws when creating apps. The most relevant to this topic are the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation for Kids (GDPR-K).
COPPA states that apps require parental consent to collect data on kids under 13. The privacy policy must have a detailed explanation of the collected data and what it’s used for. Parents also have the right to retract consent and delete personal information.
The GDPR-K is similar to COPPA but states that it applies to any kids under 16 unless the parent sets the permissions to the age of 13.
Parental Awareness and Involvement
Surveys have shown that over 90% of US residents don’t understand privacy policies. However, since kids are less aware of the potential risks and consequences of sharing their data, it’s the parents’ job to be mindful for them.
Parents must monitor the type of information the apps collect and make an informed decision on whether the app gathers too much personal data for the safety of their child. Tech companies often use loopholes to not ask for the kid’s age. Solutions are for parents to design child-friendly apps or implement parental controls on phones.
Conclusion
Protecting our children should be a top priority, especially with the amount of predators and cybercriminals on the internet. However, many tech companies use loopholes to ignore COPPA and GDPR-K laws, and your kids’ information becomes exposed online. That’s why you should be aware of the risks and safeguard your child’s information for them by removing information from the internet or using private browsers.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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