Express Computer
Home  »  Security  »  Android apps targeting children are not privacy friendly, reveals study

Android apps targeting children are not privacy friendly, reveals study

0 544

Arrka Infosec (Arrka), a niche player specializing in Data Privacy & Info Security, in their “Study on State of Privacy of Indian Apps and Websites – 2018” conducted a special study on Android Apps from India targeting children.

Apps were selected from the Google Play store, which categorizes children’s Apps based on age groups. The study concluded that children’s Apps are not Privacy-friendly and do not adhere to many basic Privacy Principles & Practices. It was also concluded that factors like lack of consent, excessive permissions and needless privacy-intrusive features like in-App ads and in-App purchase options are some of the reasons making children’s Apps vulnerable and at-risk.

Commenting on the study, Shivangi Nadkarni, CEO – Arrka, added that “Children are a particularly vulnerable category of online users. Hence, this year, as part of our study on the ‘State of Privacy of Indian Apps and Websites-2018’, we decided to bring special focus on children’s Android Apps. Though it was heartening to see that 29% Apps took no permissions at all,100% of the Apps tested had links to other Apps and 71% of the Apps had access to Storage. It was also found out that 56% of the permissions accessed were not required at all.“

The study also highlighted that 71% of the Apps were found to contain In-App ads, and, further, the Ads were not found to be child-safe. For eg., Ads shown were for shopping, part-time studies, women entrepreneurs, real estate, physiotherapy and healthcare. Ads were also found redirecting the user to other websites without any consent.

Some of the other key findings of the report are :

• 43% Apps offered In-app purchase options. No consent or verification of an adult was found required to make the purchases.
• 29% of Apps did not have a Notice addressing children under age 13. In 86% Apps, consent was not being taken. Even when consent was being taken, there was no verification to check if the person was an adult.

Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.

LIVE Webinar

Digitize your HR practice with extensions to success factors

Join us for a virtual meeting on how organizations can use these extensions to not just provide a better experience to its’ employees, but also to significantly improve the efficiency of the HR processes
REGISTER NOW 

Stay updated with News, Trending Stories & Conferences with Express Computer
Follow us on Linkedin
India's Leading e-Governance Summit is here!!! Attend and Know more.
Register Now!
close-image
Attend Webinar & Enhance Your Organisation's Digital Experience.
Register Now
close-image
Enable A Truly Seamless & Secure Workplace.
Register Now
close-image
Attend Inida's Largest BFSI Technology Conclave!
Register Now
close-image
Know how to protect your company in digital era.
Register Now
close-image
Protect Your Critical Assets From Well-Organized Hackers
Register Now
close-image
Find Solutions to Maintain Productivity
Register Now
close-image
Live Webinar : Improve customer experience with Voice Bots
Register Now
close-image
Live Event: Technology Day- Kerala, E- Governance Champions Awards
Register Now
close-image
Virtual Conference : Learn to Automate complex Business Processes
Register Now
close-image