Kids are adorable, get bored quickly and it’s our duty to protect them. There are so many apps out there that cater to children but how do you know that “for 13yr old + app” is not being downloaded by a tech savvy 9 year old kid?
If you develop mobile apps for kids, know and understand these to avoid privacy pitfalls:
- Do you really need to know the geolocation of the would-be app user?
- With several gadgets available these days (kindle, ipad, etc), which safeguards or guarantees do you have in place to ensure that kids will not download apps that aren’t meant for them?
- Which strategy do you have in place to avoid privacy pitfalls?
If it’s broken, fix it because the FTC is investigating kids apps over privacy concerns. If it was your kid downloading an app, what would you expect from the app owner or company?
- Don’t think you can put the blame on App Store or Google Play because you can’t. They are exempt from COPPA’s new social media and app rule.
In this emerging tech field, ignorance ain’t bliss. Many mobile apps privacy issues can be overcome with knowledge and having the right team on board. Some simple changes or additions can really exclude you from violations. Want to know how? Just ask me.
Image courtesy of sxc
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