Monday, April 15, 2019

Developer Of Popular Kids App Slapped With Hefty Fine


The FTC or Federal Trade Commission has recently slapped a hefty fine on a popular app developer for violating the privacy of its users. The Chinese app developer who created Tik Tok, a popular mobile app, was handed a $5.7 million fine when the FTC filed a complaint against it after it was found to have violated the COPPA or Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. When it comes to privacy, private individuals must always take some time to understand the nature of the apps they are installing. As for businesses, it is a must to have managed IT services in place for better data protection.

The main problem with the app was that it did not require parental consent for users below the age of 13, which should be a must for apps that target such an audience. A wide range of data was recorded from user names to biographical information and more. What’s even more alarming was that user account details of the app users were available to the general public. This meant that anyone who can gain access to the apps can get hold of as much information they want on other users. The apparent mistake on the developer’s side has certainly put user’s information security at risk.

McAfee Cyber Investigations head, John Fokker, commended the move by the FTC. However, he cautioned that parents must also be active in ensuring that their kids are only using the apps designed for certain age brackets. While it holds true that parents should own up and do their part, apps must also come clean with their practices and turn a new leaf. Regardless, companies must always have managed IT services Wilmington to ensure that employee data are kept safe and that no company data will be compromised.

Are you looking for a complete technology solution provider? Call SpartanTec, Inc. today.


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