Children’s advocacy groups are pressuring federal regulators to investigate whether Google recommends children’s apps meant to be “teacher approved” that violate online privacy laws by collecting and selling user data without parental consent.
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and the Center for Digital Democracy on Wednesday called on the Federal Trade Commission to open an investigation into the search company because of evidence they cite from three research groups that the Google Play Store aimed at children secretly sent individual user data to other companies.
“Parents reasonably expect that Google Play Store apps designated as ‘Teacher approved’ or appropriate for children under age 13 comply with the law protecting children’s privacy. But far too often, that is not the case,” said Angela Campbell, chairwoman of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood board.
The complaint to the trade commission states that “Google is certifying as safe and appropriate for children apps that violate [the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998] and put children at risk.”
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Google currently markets “‘teacher approved’ kid-friendly app content” that helps families to find suitable content for their children. This alleged misrepresentation could violate the trade commission’s rules involving unfair and deceptive practices, according to the complaint.
In response to Wednesday’s complaint, Google said that its app store is “committed to providing a positive and safe environment for children and families” and that it “will continue to make the protection of children on our platform a priority,” according to Reuters.
Top Republicans in Congress are also pressuring tech companies to protect children on their platforms.
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In letters sent to Google, Facebook, and Twitter on Tuesday, Republican leaders on the House Energy and Commerce Committee asked the tech companies to disclose any research they have conducted or paid for into how their products and services affect the mental health of users that are 18 years old or under.
