As a new generation increasingly uses the internet, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns parents that mobile applications for smart phones and tablets are siphoning children’s data and sharing it. In most cases, the applications’ developers do not disclose whether data is being collected, with whom it is being shared nor how it is used.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a study called “Mobile Apps for Kids – Disclosures Still Not Making the Grade,” nearly 60 percent of children’s applications available from the iTunes store and Google Play that were examined by researchers “…failed to provide any information about the data collected through the app, let alone the type of data collected, the purpose of the collection and who would obtain access to the data.”

“As parents, we try to do everything in our power to monitor our children and keep them safe,” said Kim States, BBB president. “So it is very disconcerting when a study like this comes out and shows that our children’s information is out in cyber space and may be accessible by others with ill intentions.”

BBB offers the following tips for keeping children’s information safe prior to using an app:

• Check into the app before downloading. It is important to research and look into the details, such as the developer information and privacy policies.
• Be aware of the service of the app. Many free apps are used for advertising purposes and as a result can lead to different, unexpected pages without your permission. Make sure that the app does not bring your child to an unwanted page.
• Monitor how much your children share. Look into the amount of information that your children are sharing over the app and make sure that you are comfortable with that information being released to cyber space.
• Check out a company with the BBB. Prior to purchasing an app, always check reviews on www.bbb.org

For more advice on finding businesses you can trust, visit www.bbb.org

Scammers are always looking to make a quick buck, and with consumers concerned about harmful exposure to cell phone emissions, many scammers are looking to promote “shields” that can protect from the cancer causing waves. Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona, along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are warning consumers to be on the lookout for these so-called “shields” and advising consumers to turn to free options when limiting exposure to cell phone electromagnetic emissions.

Like many other too good to be true products, there is no scientific proof that these shields are actually effective. While it is always good to protect yourself from potentially harmful emissions, there are other ways to do it besides investing in a shield for your cell phone. The FTC even notes that these so-called “shields” may even interfere with your cell phone’s reception.

“Leave it to scammers to jump on the latest scientific frenzy,” said Kim States, BBB President. “It’s important for consumers to do their research before investing in any too good to be true technology. More times than not, victims will end up with a faulty product that, in many cases, doesn’t actually do any good.”

BBB and the FTC advise consumers to consider these free options for limiting cell phone (more…)