A recent study found over 200 apps listed as “risky” or “inappropriate” for children in the App Store, with these apps having garnered over 550 million downloads collectively.
Child safety organizations reported that more than 25% of the child-rated applications they investigated raised red flags, indicating that the actual number of concerning apps could be significantly higher…
‘Risky’ apps rated as appropriate for children
These organizations collaborated on a project to examine a selection of apps labeled as suitable for children as young as four.
The Apple App Store boasts nearly 2 million apps, making it a complex research undertaking for groups lacking Apple’s resources. Instead of reviewing all apps, the Heat Initiative and ParentsTogether Action teamed up with a researcher who focused on evaluating as many apps as possible within a limited timeframe of 24 hours. The review concentrated on categories known for safety risks to children, such as chat apps, beauty apps, diet and weight loss apps, internet access apps, and gaming apps.
During this 24-hour period, nearly 800 apps were evaluated. By the time of the report, over 200 of these were found to be inappropriate for children aged 4, 9, or 12, despite containing concerning content or features. The identified risky apps have a combined download total exceeding 550 million.
Among the findings were 25 chat apps that facilitate connections between kids and strangers, with one app controversially described as being filled solely with “pedophiles.”
Additionally, there were apps designed explicitly to help children bypass internet restrictions. Others encouraged users to upload photos for “hotness” ratings or advocated unhealthy weight loss habits.
Some gaming applications included challenges deemed unsuitable for children, such as running outside without clothes or “imagining a sexy photo shoot.”
The report indicates that the App Store effectively serves as a widespread distributor of risky and inappropriate applications to children.
Apple fails to deliver on safety promises
The report highlights Apple’s claims of conducting thorough app reviews to ensure age ratings are appropriate.
It references Apple’s marketing assertions that “the App Store is a safe and trusted environment for discovering and downloading apps,” specifically reassuring parents that “it’s easy to ensure your children are interacting with age-appropriate content.”
However, the report argues that Apple’s checks do not effectively safeguard users, and the company shifts all legal responsibility for age ratings to the developers.
Furthermore, it accuses Apple of benefiting from lax controls as these practices enhance downloads, subsequently increasing Apple’s commission.
As long as those assigning app age ratings are motivated by profit to make them available to the largest audience, this issue – and its harmful effects on families – will continue.
DMN’s Take
While there may be subjectivity in determining what is appropriate for children, it is evident that many of the highlighted examples clearly do not belong in the hands of young users.
There are arguments suggesting that the primary duty of vetting app suitability should fall on parents or guardians.
Apple’s significant challenge lies in the disparity between its assurances and the actual experiences of users, which is particularly critical given the company has used these claims in antitrust defenses.
Although all apps undergo a review before they are listed on the App Store, Apple’s previous disclosures indicate that it has a global team of about 500 to evaluate an average of 132,500 apps each week. This implies that each reviewer is responsible for around 50 apps daily.
This level of scrutiny clearly cannot match the thorough vetting promised by Apple’s marketing claims. Thus, the company must either temper its promises – for instance, clarifying that it strives to reduce the number of problematic apps while addressing issues reported by users – or allocate the necessary resources to fulfill its commitments effectively.
Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash
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