YouTube is Illegally Collecting Data From Kids

The Child Online Privacy Protection Act was written in 1998, which prevents companies from collecting data from children under the age of 13. Due to this reason Children are not allowed to use YouTube. Keeping in views this, Google created YouTube Kids app. Twenty Child advocacy groups revealed that YouTube is Illegally Collecting Data From Kids.

They filed complaint on Monday accusing that YouTube is collecting personal data from kids via its YouTube Kids App. Accusers also asked FTC to investigate and fine Google for its infractions.

Beware! YouTube is Illegally Collecting Data From Kids

A few months ago, parents were shocked to find that conspiracy theory videos about the moon landing hoax and the flat Earth theory, among other inappropriate videos, started showing up in the YouTube Kids app. TO eradicate such issues from happening again, Google will give parents option to use a “whitelisted” version of YouTube Kids. This version totally  relies on specialized, handpicked content rather than content found by algorithms as the app currently features.

Regarding all this, a YouTube spokesperson said:

“While we haven’t received the complaint, protecting kids and families has always been a top priority for us. We will read the complaint thoroughly and evaluate if there are things we can do to improve. Because YouTube is not for children, we’ve invested significantly in the creation of the YouTube Kids app to offer an alternative specifically designed for children.”

The complainants state that among the most popular channels on YouTube are those directed at children, including ChuChuTV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs with 15.9m subscribers and more than 10bn video views and LittleBabyBum with 14.6m subscribers and 14bn views. The coalition also states that Google’s Preferred advertising platform includes a “parenting and family” lineup in which major advertisers pay a premium to place ads.

Lets see how Google respond to all this. Next time beware before giving your kids access to these apps.

Also Read: YouTube Now Allows its Users to Buy Concert Tickets Via Ticketmaster