In a recent decision, CARU found Snap Inc.’s (Snap) Snapchat app to be compliant with both the CARU Guidelines and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).  “The company goes beyond minimal procedures to prevent under-age use” CARU stated. CARU determined that Snapchat is an app directed to a general audience, not intended for use by children. In reaching this conclusion, CARU considered that Snap’s Terms of Service clearly prohibit users under 13 years of age and makes no effort to market the app to children or provide them with an appealing user experience.  With that understanding, Snapchat is permitted under the Guidelines and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) to age-gate and block children under 13 from using its services, which it does. CARU then examined whether Snapchat does so effectively. CARU observed that Snapchat utilizes age-gates and many safeguards to ensure that if children manage to breach the existing age-...

A number of child advocacy groups are worried after the release of a research study suggesting that popular apps for children in the iOS and Android systems feature advertisements that prompt and encourage young children to ma ke in-app purchases, collect their personal data, and distract them from the in-game experience. The study, titled “Advertising in Young Children’s Apps: A Content Analysis”, was written by a group of researchers headed by Jenny Radesky, who is a behavioral pediatrician at the University of Michigan Medical School. The research looked at 135 children’s apps including those in the “Ages 5 and Under” category, both paid and free and both from the Android and iOS app. The study found that in the sample, 88% of paid children’s apps and all of free children’s apps had advertisements, which varied in form and effect towards children. The study noted various ways that advertisements were deceptive. The study noted that some advertisements were designed to look li...