E-Learning Apps Collected And Shared Kids' Personal Data With Advertisers: Study
When Covid-19 pandemic, school going kids were forced to retreat. Millions of kids around the world were learning on digital platforms, many of which were curated for school students.
A new global investigation undertaken by the Human Rights Watch claims that educational apps and websites tracked the personal data and online behaviours of kids without their consent. The international advocacy organisation, in its findings, added that e-learning apps and websites also shared data of kids with third-party advertising tech companies?like Meta and Google.
Laying bare the dangers of e-learning
The investigation was conducted between March 2021 and August 2021. It looked at educational services used by students around the globe after most countries enforced lockdowns to contain the spread of Covid-19. This meant that kids were attending school from their homes.
Across 49 countries, Human Rights Watch assessed 164 products. It found that a whopping 89% (that's 146 products) indulged in data practices that "risked or infringed on children's rights."
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Many apps and services were monitoring children without their parents' consent. In addition, personal data like their identity, location, their digital behaviour, and information about their close contacts was being lodged.?
According to HRW, most of this information about children was sent to tech biggies like Alphabet's Google and Meta's Facebook.?A Meta rep referred CNN Business to its company policies about how children's data is shared. Google said that no campaigns that target kids are allowed on its pool of services.
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In the era of digital caution, people are wary of leaving behind a significant digital footprint. While adults may be more mindful with their content, kids may not want content from their teenage years to dictate their digital footprint later. This, in turn, could have long-term impacts on the kids.
Do you have kids that use e-learning portals? How do you know they're safe spaces? Let us know in the comments below.?For more in the world of?technology?and?science, keep reading?Indiatimes.com.?
References
Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN Business. (2022, May 26). Virtual learning apps tracked and shared kidsĄ¯ data and online activities with advertisers, report says. CNN.?
