The Better Business Bureau is warning parents about the dangers of downloading some paid apps that may include video chats with Santa. Some contain inappropriate language or advertisements that you don’t want your children to see. Some apps are configured to download malware onto your phone in order to steal your personal information.
“Check the reviews of the apps you’re thinking of loading,” says Carl Bates of the Better Business Bureau. “If you go to the app store, there are a lot of apps. Whether it’s a Google phone or an iPhone, there are a lot of apps for this, and there are review sites for those apps as well. Be sure to check before downloading an app. I know it will take an extra minute, but it will be well worth it.”
It’s clear that apps will continue to play an important role during the holiday season. However, before you allow your child to download an app, it’s important to understand the data that may be collected.
The Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) recommends keeping the following tips in mind.
- Check the privacy policy: If you cannot find a privacy policy, this is a warning that our privacy and data collection practices may not comply with current guidelines. You should think carefully about whether or not to download the app. A comprehensive privacy policy should include information about who collects personal data, the types of data collected, the purposes for which it is used, storage procedures, data access, parental rights, and opt-out options.
- Understand data collection: Online services directed to children may not collect photos, videos, or audio recordings from children under the age of 13 without parental consent. Apps also require parental approval before children publicly share personal information. Before your child downloads an app, research what kind of data may be collected.
- Set up permission controls: Many free apps may include in-app purchases that children can access once they download the app. Make sure your child’s device requires a password for each download.
- Be careful with free apps: Most free apps tend to have more ads than apps that charge a small fee. Free apps, including educational apps, may incorporate deceptive or inappropriate advertising practices. Advertisements can be frequent and mandatory to progress through the game, and in some cases may entice children to purchase in-game items. Apps aimed at both children and parents may display ads aimed at older audiences. Even free apps that don’t display ads may collect data for future ad targeting. Adjust your device settings to reduce inappropriate ad targeting.
- think before downloading: Be careful when downloading apps, as some free apps may contain malware. To keep your devices safe, make sure your app store page includes a privacy policy link, contact information, and publisher address details. Shoddy design or imitations of famous characters can indicate potential problems, so use common sense when evaluating an app’s reliability.
- Read the review: Reviews help you decide whether the app’s content is suitable for your child.
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