Are Apps Following You?

Many apps gather data, or information. They track what videos people watch, what games they play, and what they search for.

A company called Pixalate took a look at about 400,000 apps for kids. It found that many of these apps track what kids do online. But apps aren’t supposed to collect this information about kids under 13. In fact, it’s against the law to gather most kinds of data from these kids without their parents’ OK.

Many companies say they don’t know they’re tracking children. Some apps don’t ask for people’s ages. So they may gather kids’ names, email addresses, and other data along with those of adults.

Many apps gather data, or information. They track what videos people watch. They also track what games people play. They track what people search for too. 

A company called Pixalate took a look at about 400,000 apps for kids. It found that many of these apps follow what kids do online.  

Apps aren’t supposed to collect this information about kids under 13. In fact, it’s against the law. The apps must get the OK from parents to collect most information from kids.

Many companies say they don’t know they’re tracking children. Some apps don’t ask for people’s ages. So they may gather kids’ names, email addresses, and other data along with those of adults.

Many people think this way of collecting information is wrong. They worry that users don’t know they’re being watched online.

Jill Bronfman works at Common Sense. That’s an organization that helps kids stay safe online.

“Everyone should have privacy rights, even young children,” she says.

Most apps have privacy policies, or company rules, that explain what they gather. But those policies are often long, confusing, and hard to find.

Many people think this way of collecting information is wrong. They worry that users don’t know they’re being watched online. 

Jill Bronfman works at Common Sense. That’s an organization that helps kids stay safe online.

“Everyone should have privacy rights, even young children,” she says.

Most apps have privacy policies. Those are company rules that explain what information the apps gather. But those policies are often long and confusing. They can also be hard to find.

There are ways you can protect your information online. To start, download only apps that your parents have approved.

Bronfman says to never lie about your age. Rules are there to protect you. Don’t share personal details, like your name, where you live, or what school you go to. And come up with usernames that don’t identify you.

Most important, Bronfman warns, stay aware at all times online.

“Companies are always watching what you’re doing online,” she says.

There are ways you can protect your information online. To start, download only apps that your parents have approved. 

Bronfman says to never lie about your age. Rules are there to protect you. Don’t share personal details. You shouldn’t share your name or where you live. Don’t mention what school you go to. And come up with usernames that don’t identify you. 

Most important, Bronfman warns, stay aware at all times online. 

“Companies are always watching what you’re doing online,” she says.