International privacy scan apps for kids
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (CBP) has participated in an international scan focused on apps and websites for children. 29 different privacy regulators from around the world participated in the scan. All have held their own national scan. They have nearly 1500 of the most popular apps and websites in total under the microscope. 67% apps collected personal data on children. Also many of the apps and websites provide links to content which the fall outside the safe online environment of the app.
CBP concludes its from its state scan inter alia, that for most apps it is not possible to assess what the app actually does, what personal data are processed by it, and for what purpose. Parents should be able to find comprehensive information in the app store to download in an easy way.
The international scan is organized by the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN), an international alliance of privacy authorities. When the scan is looking at privacy issues such as the provision of information in the app store, the personal data to be entered when installing and or using ad networks.