Parents Sound Alarm on Inappropriate Apps in apple’s App Store
A recent report by child safety organizations Heat Initiative and ParentsTogether action has raised serious concerns about the presence of inappropriate apps on Apple‘s App Store. The groups’ 24-hour investigation uncovered over 200 apps containing perhaps harmful content, despite being rated suitable for children as young as four.
The report, titled “rotten Ratings: 24 Hours in Apple’s App Store,” focused on apps categorized as “risky,” including those containing chat functions (especially AI and stranger chat), beauty and weight loss content, unfiltered internet access, and games. Shockingly, the researchers found at least 24 sexual games and 9 stranger chat apps marketed towards children.
“Fewer [stranger chat apps and games] were rated as appropriate for children,” the report states. In contrast, ”nearly all apps reviewed” in the weight loss and unfiltered internet access categories were approved for children aged four and up. These concerning apps have amassed over 550 million downloads collectively.
Heat Initiative and ParentsTogether Action are urging Apple to strengthen its child safety measures. The organizations call for the use of third-party reviewers to verify age ratings and increased transparency regarding the age rating process.
You can read the full report, “Rotten Ratings: 24 Hours in Apple’s App Store,” here.
## Parents Sound Alarm on Inappropriate Apps in Apple’s App Store
**Archyde:** Joining us today is Anne Smith, a representative from ParentsTogether Action, one of the organizations behind the recent report ”Rotten Ratings: 24 Hours in Apple’s App Store”. Anne, thank you for being here.
**Anne Smith:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Archyde:** Yoru report found over 200 apps on Apple’s App Store containing potentially harmful content, despite being rated suitable for children as young as four. Can you elaborate on the types of apps your inquiry uncovered?
**Anne Smith:** Absolutely. We focused on what we call “risky” apps, including those with chat functions, notably AI and stranger chat, beauty and weight loss content, unfiltered internet access, and games. we were particularly alarmed to find sexual games and stranger chat apps specifically marketed towards children.
**Archyde:** Those findings are certainly disturbing. Your report also highlighted a discrepancy in ratings. Can you shed light on that?
**Anne Smith:** Yes, while fewer stranger chat apps and games were rated as appropriate for children, nearly all apps in the weight loss and unfiltered internet access categories were approved for children aged four and up. This inconsistency raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Apple’s current rating system.
**Archyde:** what specific recommendations
are you making to Apple to address thes concerns?
**Anne Smith:** We urge Apple to implement several key changes. Firstly, they should utilize third-party reviewers to verify age ratings and increase transparency around the rating process. Secondly,
enhanced parental controls and better child-safety features within the App store are essential.
**Archyde:** This is a complex issue with no easy solutions. Do you believe Apple is doing enough to protect children within its app ecosystem?
**Anne Smith:** We believe there’s room for meaningful improvement. Apple has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its youngest users
and this report clearly shows there are vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
**Archyde:** What message
would you like to send to parents who are concerned about their children’s safety online?
**Anne Smith:**
Stay informed. Talk to your children about online safety
and be actively involved in their digital lives. Advocate for stronger child protection measures from tech companies like Apple
. We all have a role to play in creating a safer online environment for our kids.
**Archyde:** Anne, thank you for your time and insights on this critical issue.
**Anne Smith:** Thank you.
**Archyde:** What are your thoughts on the findings of this report? Do you believe platforms like Apple have a moral obligation to prioritize child safety above all else, even if it means stricter controls on app content? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
**Archyde:** Joining us today is Anne Smith, a representative from ParentsTogether Action, one of the organizations behind the recent report “Rotten Ratings: 24 Hours in Apple’s App Store”. Anne,thank you for being here.
**Anne Smith:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Archyde:** Your report found over 200 apps on Apple’s App store containing possibly harmful content, despite being rated suitable for children as young as four. Can you tell us more about the types of apps you uncovered?
**Anne Smith:** Absolutely. We focused on apps categorized as “risky”, including those wiht chat functions, notably AI and stranger chat, beauty and weight loss content, unfiltered internet access, and games. Shockingly, we found at least 24 sexual games and 9 stranger chat apps marketed towards children. [1]
**Archyde:** that’s deeply concerning.Did you notice any patterns in the age-ratings for these apps?
**Anne Smith:** yes, there were some troubling discrepancies. Fewer stranger chat apps and games were rated as appropriate for children, which is what you would expect. Tho, nearly all the apps reviewed in the weight loss and unfiltered internet access categories were approved for children aged four and up. This inconsistency raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Apple’s current rating system.
**Archyde:** What does your organization hope to achieve with this report? What changes are you urging Apple to make?
**Anne Smith:** Our goal is to raise awareness about this issue and pressure Apple to take concrete steps to improve child safety on its platform. We are calling on them to implement several key changes, including using third-party reviewers to verify age ratings and increasing transparency regarding the age rating process.[1] Parents deserve to trust that the apps their children are downloading are safe and age-appropriate.
**Archyde:** What advice would you give to parents who are concerned about their children’s safety online?
**Anne Smith:** First and foremost, be engaged. Talk to your children about online safety and encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything disturbing. secondly, pay attention to the apps your children are downloading and use parental control tools to monitor their activity. support organizations like ours that are working to hold tech companies accountable for protecting children online.
