Thursday, April 04, 2013

Mobile Apps for Kids

The FTC infographic “Keeping Up With Kids’ Apps”, which includes information on 4 things your kids’ apps might do but might not tell you, and what you can do at the online app store, on your couch, and on your phone or tablet.
Have kids in your life? Then you’ve probably got a collection of kids’ apps — or soon will. Whether it’s a game on your phone or a math app on your tablet, find out what apps might be doing — but might not be telling you — and what you can do about it.  Consumer Education Specialist at the FTC

For parents, the growing universe of mobile applications targeted at kids can be overwhelming. Knowing which app is the right fit for your family poses a major challenge to parents on the go. 
A new informational graphic produced by the staff of the Federal Trade Commission helps with a useful visual tool for parents and other consumers making decisions about what kids’ apps to download to their mobile devices.

The infographic highlights the importance of taking time to check out an app and also to change the settings on your phone to make sure kids using an app can’t inadvertently access any unwanted features. The graphic points out that many times free apps may allow users to make purchases with real money, and apps may share personal information or contain advertising but not disclose this upfront. The information is drawn from the Commission’s recent report titled “Mobile Apps for Kids: Disclosures Still Not Making the Grade.”

More information on consumer protection laws to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices can be found at Massachusetts Law About Consumer Protection as well as the Consumer Protection Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General Office.