International News

(Telecompaper) The FTC issued a report warning that parents do not have enough information to decide whether mobile apps are safe for their children. FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz said "it is almost impossible to figure out which apps collect data and what they do with it". He called on the industry to work together to provide more clear information for parents to make informed choices. The FTC surveyed the largest stores, the Apple App Store and the Android Market, and evaluated the types of apps offered to children, the disclosures provided to users, interactive features such as connectivity with social media, and the ratings and parental controls offered for such apps. It found most apps can access a broad range of information about the user, but few provide enough information for parents prior to download or total transparency about their data practices. The report recommends that app developers should provide data practices information in simple and short disclosures. They also should disclose whether the app connects with social media, and whether it contains ads. Third parties that collect data also should disclose their privacy practices. In addition, app stores should take responsibility for ensuring that parents have basic information. The FTC will host a public workshop in 2012 about how to provide effective online disclosures. One of the topics that will be addressed is mobile privacy disclosures, including how they can be short, effective, and accessible to consumers on small screens.