More than 200 apps rated safe for children up to the age of four contain features such as stranger chat features, weight loss trackers and violent games, according to a new report from the child safety group released on Monday. Contains relevant content. A 24-hour investigation by Heat Initiative and parentsTogether Action examined 800 apps and found that the offending apps had more than 550 million total downloads.
The investigation revealed widespread issues across apps rated 4+, 9+, or 12+ in categories such as chat, beauty, diet, internet access, and gaming. Some of the concerning findings include 25 chat apps that allow for unauthorized communication with minors, apps that promote extreme dieting behavior, and gaming apps that request inappropriate photos. Many apps offered ratings suitable for young children while also offering ways to bypass school and home internet filters.
Despite the company’s claims that the App Store is a “trusted place” for users, “Apple assumes no legal responsibility for the veracity of age ratings,” the report said. The study found that nearly all weight loss apps and unfiltered internet access apps are approved for children ages 4 and older. The researchers called for several reforms, including independent third-party reviews, more transparency in the app rating process, stronger mandatory age ratings, and stronger parental controls.
Apple conducts both automatic and manual checks on apps and offers features such as Screen Time to protect children, but the company acknowledges that “App Store security measures alone are by no means foolproof.” are. With nearly 2 million apps on the platform, comprehensive screening remains difficult. The report’s authors emphasize that the most effective protection requires both improved app screening and engaged parenting, ensuring parents actively monitor their children’s app usage and conducting personal tests. We recommend that you check the safety of the app through.
The findings were announced amid intense scrutiny of the App Store, which included a $1.95 billion fine from the EU in March 2024 for anti-competitive practices. Apple has not yet commented on the report’s findings.
