Apple introduces stricter rules for Kids’ Data

US-based tech giant Apple has updated its App Store Review Guidelines in order to reflect the new requirements. In July 2013, the company added new rules to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), after which the update has been done.

The revised guidelines of Apple have stronger privacy protection for app users and also limit the ways in which app developers are able to deal with user information. The new rules of COPPA have further expanded the definition of personal information with four new categories. These new categories include photos or videos containing a child’s image or audio files with a child’s voice from a child, geolocation information, screen or user name and persistent identifiers.

The rules have also mentioned that mobile apps or online services who have users under 13 have to review the Federal Trade Commission’s compliance guidelines carefully. The review guidelines of Apple have a new section, which is known as Kids Apps and has additional requirements for apps which are intended for children under the age of 13.

Such apps must include a privacy policy and must be made specifically for kids in the age ranges of 5 and under, 6-8 or 9-11 and must also obtain parental consent for any e-commerce, like in-app purchasing.

Photo Credits: Fox News