Smartphone users had about 800 apps to choose from in 2008, in just about 4 years that number has risen to 500,000 apps in the Apple App store and 380,000 in the Android Market. The problem is, many of these thousands of apps are designed for children but they are not doing enough to protect children’s privacy. According to the Federal Trade Commission it was found that mobile apps for children aren’t upfront about what they’re doing with their user data. Mobile application marketplaces and developers need to do a better job of protecting children’s privacy. “At the FTC, one of our highest priorities is protecting children’s privacy, and parents deserve the tools to help them do that,” said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz in a statement. “Right now, it is almost impossible to figure out which apps collect data and what they do with it. The kid’s app ecosystem needs to wake up, and we want to work collaboratively with industry to help ensure parents have the information they need.”

Many mobile apps can collect a wide swath of information about a user, including location, phone number and address book. While adults may have the sensibility to figure out what an app does with all that data before installing it, unfortunately children are less likely to be so proactive and security-minded. While the FTC report suggests that app stores, developers and service providers should be more forthcoming with their privacy agreements on apps for children. However parents should be aware of the mobile apps their children are using and what information they have given out. To learn more about mobile technology visit us at Connect Your Home or call (888)566-3979.