Mobile Apps Still Targeting Kids And Collecting Information, Despite Privacy Laws

Mobile app developers are ignoring the federal law by targeting kids and collecting lots of data, according to a new study. Some apps are getting information such as kids location and even recording kids voice. 

In July last year, the Federal Trade Commission had expanded the  Child Online Privacy Protection Act, by making it mandatory for app developers to get parental consent before collecting personal data on anyone younger than 13. 

However, according to PrivacyGrade.org - run by computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University - there are number of apps that collect information are still targeted to kids. 

Citing an example researchers said Fruit Ninja collects a phone's location, which it could pass on to advertisers. 

"Kids are such a lucrative market, especially for apps," said Jeff Chester, executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy. "Unfortunately, there are still companies out there that are more concerned about generating revenue than protecting the privacy of kids."

Experts added that this all comes down to money. 

"To get to then while they're very very young is an important goal you know to build that awareness and to get kids identifying with Nike, and Gatorade and Coke-a-Cola at a very very early age," John Cherry, marketing professor at Southeast Missouri State said.

For parents, even though its about money, they don't like to sacrifice the privacy of their kids. 

Experts advice is that parents should read the privacy policy before downloading each app. On the other hand app developers should make it more concise as why they want the access to the microphone or camera, even if it's just a game.