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-...

The opportunities that are presented to children online are seemingly endless. Many of them provide enriching and educational experiences--but allowing our kids to learn and socialize online comes with benefits as well as risks. Recently, there has been much concern over data privacy and children’s safety, especially in the first few months of 2019. The Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) has curated this helpful resource for parents to take appropriate steps to protect children. Review any apps before your child downloads it. Law enforcement officials in Ohio and Alabama released a list of fourteen apps that parents should be aware of,   known for bullying, sharing location information, storing data, and talking to strangers. The list includes popular apps such as Bumble, Live.Me, Snapchat, Holla, Whisper, Ask.FM, and Calculator%. In addition, some apps that are presumed harmless have become notorious for “accidental in-app purchases,” including Facebookin-app...