FTC Report Calls for More Privacy Protection in Mobile Apps for Kids | Practical Law

FTC Report Calls for More Privacy Protection in Mobile Apps for Kids | Practical Law

On February 16, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report, Mobile Apps for Kids: Current Privacy Disclosures are Disappointing, finding that mobile app developers and merchants do not provide adequate information for parents before downloading an app to determine what information is being collected from their children, how it is being used and who has access to it.

FTC Report Calls for More Privacy Protection in Mobile Apps for Kids

Practical Law Legal Update 6-518-0818 (Approx. 3 pages)

FTC Report Calls for More Privacy Protection in Mobile Apps for Kids

by PLC Intellectual Property & Technology
Published on 17 Feb 2012 • USA (National/Federal)
On February 16, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report, Mobile Apps for Kids: Current Privacy Disclosures are Disappointing, finding that mobile app developers and merchants do not provide adequate information for parents before downloading an app to determine what information is being collected from their children, how it is being used and who has access to it.
On February 16, 2012, a FTC press release announced the publication of a report showing that mobile app stores and developers do not adequately inform parents about what information is being collected from their children, how it is being used and who has access to it.
The report, Mobile Apps for Kids: Privacy Disclosures are Disappointing, surveyed apps sold in the Apple App Store and the Android Market and evaluated:
  • The disclosures provided to users.
  • Interactive features such as connectivity with social media.
  • The ratings and parental controls offered for the apps.
The FTC did not, however, download and use the apps in its evaluation or test actual information collection, use or disclosure practices.
The report found that although apps can capture a diverse range of user information automatically from a mobile device, there is a lack of information available to parents prior to downloading apps for their children.
Based on its findings, the report recommends:
  • All members of the "kids app ecosystem" (stores, developers and third parties) should play an active role in providing key information to parents.
  • App developers should provide data practices information in simple and short disclosures or icons, including information on whether the app connects with social media and whether it contains ads.
  • Third parties collecting data through apps should also disclose their privacy practices through a link on the app promotion page or within the app developer's disclosures, or another easily accessible method.
  • App stores be responsible for ensuring that app developers provide basic information about data collection and use practices, and enforcing these requirements. The FTC suggests the stores should develop a consistent and standardized way for developers to make disclosures.
The FTC will conduct an additional review in six months to evaluate the kids app ecosystem's response to the report. It will also host a public workshop later this year focused on mobile privacy disclosure best practices.
The additional review will also focus on whether any mobile apps violate the Children Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The FTC enforces COPPA, which requires operators of online services, including interactive mobile apps, to provide notice and get parental consent prior to collecting information from children under 13.
For more on COPPA and privacy and data security issues, see Practice Note, US Privacy and Data Security Law: Overview.