The mobile and tablets usage among kids is growing. Technology companies like Google and Apple are developing apps including games and other interactive programs targeted mainly at kids. Increased exposure to these gadgets pose a major threat to the kids’ privacy.
The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday criticized Apple, Google and other tech firms for failing to protect the personal data of kids using apps on tablets and smartphones.
“Child privacy laws require online firms to get permission from parents to collect data about users under 13. Companies must also clearly explain what information is being collected, and how it is being shared or used for profits,” the FTC stated, adding that it would investigate specific app developers as well as Apple and Google to determine privacy violations.
With more than 500,000 apps in Apple Inc’s App Store and 380,000 in Google Inc’s Android Market, consumers have topped 28 billion app downloads since the market launched in 2008.
In a survey conducted with 1,000 apps designed for children on iTunes and the Android Marketplace, the Federal Trade Commission found that the companies could be tracking data such as geolocation, phone numbers, contact lists, call logs and other “unique identifiers. However, FTC has not identified the apps that have been collecting data .
The FTC has urged app stores, developers and third parties to boost their privacy policies and provide parents with information explaining what data is collected and how it is used and shared.
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