Skip to content

Discerning Data

  • About Us
  • Additional Resources
  • Contact Us

DISCERNING DATA

A Faegre Drinker Blog Covering the Latest in Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Strategy

  • Privacy
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Strategy
  • Disruptionware

FTC Warns Two Foreign-Based App Developers of Possible COPPA Violations

Share

The FTC staff recently sent two warning letters to Gator Group Co., Ltd., and Tinitell, Inc., which marketed mobile apps directed to children and appear to be violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The FTC warning letters were also sent to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, which make the apps available to consumers.

The warning letters alert both companies that their online services appear to be in violation of COPPA because neither obtain parental consent before collecting data from children. Gator, which is based in China, advertised an app, “the Kids GPS” watch, as a “child’s first cellphone.”  The app connects to the watch and collects the child’s name, can track the child, and enables the user to set an alarm for when the child leaves a geo-fenced safe zone. Similarly, the Tinitell app connects to a mobile phone worn like a watch for children, which can locate a child, call a child, and add contacts. The advertising promotes the app and mobile phone “designed for kids, with calling and smart location features.” Tinitell is based in Sweden.

Both warning letters describe how the FTC’s COPPA Rule requires (i) parental consent before information can be collected from children under the age of 13, and (ii) applies to foreign-based sites or services that are directed to children in the U.S. that knowingly collect personal information from children.  In addition, the letter notes that the online service appears to be directed to children and appears to collect precise geolocation information from children. The letter further describes the requirements of COPPA and encourages the companies to take the necessary steps to comply.

The FTC will likely follow up with these companies to determine if they have aligned their practices to comply with COPPA.

The material contained in this communication is informational, general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The material contained in this communication should not be relied upon or used without consulting a lawyer to consider your specific circumstances. This communication was published on the date specified and may not include any changes in the topics, laws, rules or regulations covered. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this communication may be considered attorney advertising.

Receive Email Alerts to New Articles

SUBSCRIBE

May 14, 2018
Written by: Discerning Data Editorial Board
Category: Cybersecurity, FTC, Privacy
Tags: Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, COPPA, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Gator Group, geolocation, Google Play Store, privacy, tracking

Post navigation

Previous Previous post: CMS Proposed Rule, Rebranding of Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records Incentives Program Shifts Focus to Interoperability and Patient Access
Next Next post: Massive Data Breach Exposes 500,000 Patients’ Medical Records

Search the Blog

Sign Up for Email Alerts

PODCASTS

Faegre Drinker on Law and Technology

©2023 Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. All Rights Reserved. Lawyer Advertising.

  • About Us
  • Additional Resources
  • Contact Us
We use cookies to improve your experience with our website. By browsing our site, you are agreeing to the use of cookies. For more information about how we use cookies, please review our privacy policy and cookie policy. OK
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT