Keeping kids safe
Published
AI toy apps are carrying far more data than parents realise, according to Cybernews researchers. They analysed 10 Android companion apps for children (Loona, Dash & Dot, Sphero, mBlock, Miko, Eilik, SPIKE™, LEGO® Education, Ozobot Evo, Petoi, and AIBI Pocket) and found that all of them request dangerous permissions and include third-party trackers.
The findings come as children's privacy remains under scrutiny. Last year, changes to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) introduced new requirements around parental consent for children's data disclosure to third parties.
Key findings:
- All 10 analysed apps requested precise location access.
- Six apps requested microphone access and five requested camera access.
- Third-party trackers were detected in seven of the 10 apps.
- Two apps contained profiling trackers, two contained advertising trackers, and 1 contained a location tracker.
- Miko stood out as the most privacy-invasive app, with nine dangerous permissions and eight trackers.
‘Data minimisation for children's apps is essential. Responsibility falls both on developers to request fewer permissions and minimise sensitive trackers, and on parents to take greater control over the technology available to their children.’ Cybernews researchers say.
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