Apr 27, 2018 - Technology

FTC warns app firms not to collect kids' data

Kim Hart

A child looks at a mobile phone. — Photo: Donal Husni/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Federal Trade Commission warned China-based Gator Group Co., Ltd., and Sweden-based Tinitell, Inc., that collecting geolocation data from children under the age of 13 without parental consent violates U.S. privacy rules.

Why it matters: Foreign companies are also required to comply with the FTC's Children's Online Privacy Protection Act if their services are directed at U.S.-based children.

Context: Gator Group markets a Kids GPS Gator Watch as a "child's first cell phone" and Tinitell advertises an app that works with a watch-like mobile phone for kids. The FTC also sent copies of the letters to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, which make the apps available.

Add Axios on Google

FTC warns app firms not to collect kids' data

What to read next