Imagine a stranger parking outside your child’s bedroom window, peeking inside, invading their privacy. It’s a horrifying thought that would prompt an immediate call to the police. Unfortunately, the digital world presents similar threats, leaving our children vulnerable to privacy breaches and exploitation.
The scale of app surveillance targeting kids is alarming. A groundbreaking study by Pixalate reveals that over two-thirds of the top 1,000 iPhone apps collect and share personal information with the advertising industry. And it doesn’t stop there – on Android, a staggering 79% of popular kids’ apps are guilty of the same invasion.
Microsoft’s privacy scandal
The recent scandal involving tech giant Microsoft has exposed the severity of the issue. The company faced significant consequences, reaching a staggering $20 million settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). According to a press release, the charges laid against the company unveiled a breach of data privacy laws, where Microsoft allegedly gathered personal information of children under 13 years of age without obtaining their parents’ consent.
Evidence presented by FTC reveals a distressing pattern surrounding Microsoft’s Xbox gaming service. It was found that children signing up for Xbox were prompted to disclose their personal information including name, email address, phone number, and date of birth.
Strengthening children’s privacy
Children’s privacy demands utmost attention as their data can be exploited in harmful ways. Studies indicate that many children struggle to differentiate between advertisements and actual content, and sophisticated tracking technologies enable marketers to precisely target young minds. Another study shed light on the concerning reality of children’s privacy online. It involved 124 preschool-aged children, and revealed that an alarming two-thirds of the apps they played with collected and shared identifying information.
Recognizing the importance of safeguarding children’s privacy, the United States implemented one of the few privacy laws dedicated to them—the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This legislation states that companies should not collect personal information from children under 13 without explicit parental consent. On the surface, it may seem clear-cut and protective.
However, the landscape of online data collection and privacy practices has evolved significantly since COPPA’s enactment. Challenges arise in effectively enforcing the law, ensuring compliance across various platforms, and addressing emerging concerns like social media and mobile apps. The complexity of modern digital ecosystems calls for continued examination and adaptation to adequately shield our children’s privacy rights in the rapidly evolving online world.
Furthermore, the FTC has made an obligation that websites, online games, and services specifically designed for children must comply with the legal obligation of obtaining parental consent before collecting information from kids, especially below the age of 13.
Protecting your child’s digital footprint
Despite international treaties on children’s privacy, it is now estimated that 72 million pieces of personal data will be collected on every child around the world before their 13th birthday.
In a world where personal information can easily be pieced together from multiple sources, it’s vital for parents to reclaim control over their family’s online presence by following proven tricks and tactics. Either way, you can take advantage of PurePrivacy, a game-changing one-stop solution that ensures the safeguarding of your child’s digital footprints. With PurePrivacy, you gain the upper hand, allowing you to take proactive steps toward protecting your family’s personal and sensitive data.
Safeguarding children’s privacy online should be of utmost importance, and incidents like this highlight the need for stricter regulations and heightened awareness among both parents and service providers.
PurePrivacy simplifies the process of securing your privacy and data across different platforms. It empowers you to stay in control, giving you peace of mind and the confidence to navigate the digital realm without compromising your privacy.
Adil Ahsan Ali
June 23, 2023
2 years ago
