GettyThree dating apps were removed from Apple and Google stores at the weekend only after a warning from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that the apps have no age enforcement in place and so "allow adults to find and communicate with children," including those under 13-years-old. The apps clearly violate laws on child protection, but it has taken FTC action to see them removed from stores. The apps capture users' ages and even enable real-time location data, and so "sexual predators can search by age and location to identify children nearby." COPPA mandate that apps secure parental permission before collecting information from children under age 13. "FTC staff finds the provision of a dating service to minor children, including those as young as thirteen, to be extremely problematic.

Source: Forbes May 07, 2019 04:03 UTC