Internet Safety Labs Awarded $500K Grant to Advance Kids’ App Safety and Privacy

Protecting Children’s Data: New Grant Funds Research into App Safety Risks

Internet Safety Labs (ISL), a non-profit institution dedicated to independent software product safety testing, has received a significant boost in its mission to protect children’s data. Teh organization was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Internet Society Foundation to further its critical work in enhancing the safety and privacy of children’s digital experiences. This latest grant marks the third time the ISOC Foundation has supported ISL’s crucial efforts.

Uncovering Hidden Dangers in Children’s Apps

This substantial funding will enable ISL to delve deeper into the ofen-hidden dangers lurking within seemingly innocent children’s apps. “Uncovering Hidden Dangers in Children’s Apps” is the name of the research project, and it seeks to expose manipulative design patterns known as “dark patterns” that exploit children’s vulnerabilities.

Dark patterns are deceptive user interface (UI) elements intentionally designed to nudge users towards making decisions they might not or else choose. these patterns, often subtle and insidious, can trick children into sharing personal information, making unwanted purchases, or engaging in risky online behavior.

“Dark patterns are particularly concerning for children because they are still developing critical thinking skills and may not fully understand the implications of their online interactions.”

This research aims to identify and analyze specific dark patterns prevalent in popular children’s apps.

Holding the Tech Industry Accountable

The results of this research will be instrumental in holding the tech industry accountable for the safety and well-being of children.

By shedding light on the prevalence and impact of dark patterns, ISL hopes to pressure developers to adopt more ethical and clear design practices.

The findings will also provide valuable information for parents and educators who can use them to make more informed decisions about the apps their children use.

A Shared Commitment to Internet Safety

The partnership between ISL and the ISOC Foundation underscores a shared commitment to fostering a safer and more secure online environment for everyone, particularly children.

Protecting children’s data and online safety is a collective responsibility that requires the collaboration of tech companies, policymakers, researchers, parents, and educators.

By working together, we can create a digital world that empowers children, protects their privacy, and enables them to thrive online.

For Parents:

• Discuss online safety with your children regularly.
• Review app permissions carefully before granting access to personal information.
• Monitor your children’s online activity.
• Encourage them to report any suspicious or harmful content they encounter.

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can help ensure that the internet remains a safe and enriching space for all.

Protecting Children Online: New Research Sheds Light on App Risks

A new research initiative, “Measuring Safety Risks in Kids’ Apps Part III: Privacy and Dark Patterns,” is set to delve into the potential dangers lurking within children’s apps. Funded by the Internet Society Foundation, this groundbreaking project will focus on identifying and addressing three key areas of concern:

• Deceptive user interface patterns (“dark patterns”) that may manipulate children within apps, potentially fostering addiction.
• Observable app security risks that threaten the safety of children’s online experiences.
• Privacy risks by enhancing existing safety labels to provide more detailed information about what data is collected and who it’s shared with.

Holding the Tech Industry Accountable

“This grant represents ongoing and strong support for our work of holding the tech industry accountable through openness,” said Lisa LeVasseur, executive director of Internet Safety labs. “Surgeon general Murthy highlighted last year the need to better label the innate risks in social media apps. Funds from the ISOC Foundation will allow us to provide just such a label.”

A Shared Commitment to Internet safety

Maiko Nakagaki, senior program officer at the ISOC Foundation, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “We are proud to continue partnering with Internet Safety Labs to improve child safety and privacy online. ISL’s efforts underscore our shared goal to ensure that the Internet is open,connected,secure,and trustworthy for all.”

Getting Involved

Internet Safety labs invites individuals, experts, and business leaders interested in advocating for safer digital practices to visit its website to learn more about how to get involved and contribute to this vital mission.

by shining a light on these hidden dangers and advocating for greater transparency,organizations like Internet Safety Labs are playing a crucial role in creating a safer and more trustworthy online world for children. This research is a vital step towards empowering parents and educators to make informed decisions about the apps their children use.

Protecting Children’s Data: New Grant Funds Research into App Safety Risks

The safety of children online is a growing concern, particularly as mobile devices and apps become increasingly central to their lives. Recognizing this, the internet Society Foundation (ISOC Foundation) has awarded a $500,000 grant to internet Safety Labs (ISL) to further its research into the potential dangers children face in the digital world. This marks the third time the ISOC Foundation has supported ISL’s critical work.

Internet safety Labs is a non-profit organization dedicated to researching and mitigating online risks for children. Their latest project, “Measuring Safety risks in Kids’ Apps Part III: Privacy and Dark Patterns,” aims to identify and address key areas of concern in children’s mobile apps.

Uncovering Hidden Dangers

Lisa LeVasseur, Executive Director of Internet Safety Labs, explains the focus of the new research: “This grant will support our groundbreaking research initiative… We’re laser-focused on identifying and addressing several key areas of concern in children’s mobile apps. Firstly, we’re examining ‘dark’ or deceptive user interface (UI) patterns that can manipulate children, potentially fostering addiction. We’ll also be looking at observable app security risks that threaten the safety of children’s online experiences. We’ll be enhancing existing safety labels to provide more detailed information about what data is being collected and who it’s being shared with, further empowering parents and children to make informed decisions.”

The Threat of ‘Dark Patterns’

The research will delve into the insidious nature of “dark patterns,” which are design elements intentionally used to mislead users into making choices they might not otherwise make. LeVasseur highlights the vulnerability of children to these manipulative tactics:

“Children are notably vulnerable to ‘dark patterns’ as they are still developing critical thinking skills and may not fully understand the manipulative tactics employed by these design choices. Things like hidden buttons, confusing language, or pressure tactics can easily lead children to make decisions they wouldn’t or else make, potentially spending excessive time on apps, sharing more data than intended, or even making in-app purchases without permission.”

Holding the Tech Industry Accountable

By shedding light on these hidden dangers and the prevalence of “dark patterns” in children’s apps, ISL’s research aims to empower parents, educators, and policymakers to take action. The findings will also serve as a call to action for the tech industry to prioritize the safety and well-being of children in their app design and development practices.

Ultimately, this research is a vital step towards creating a safer and more trustworthy online environment for children. By understanding the risks and equipping ourselves with the knowledge to mitigate them, we can help ensure that the internet remains a valuable and enriching resource for future generations.

Unmasking Online Dangers: Empowering Parents to Protect Children

The internet,a powerful tool for education,creativity,and connection,also harbors hidden dangers for children. A recent study highlights the prevalence of “dark patterns” – design elements within apps that manipulate user behavior, often without their conscious awareness.These practices can have detrimental effects on children’s online safety and well-being.

“This research is about shining a light on these hidden dangers,” says a researcher involved in the study. “By publicly identifying safety risks and ‘dark patterns’ within apps, we aim to pressure the tech industry to prioritize children’s safety and well-being.” The study, supported by the ISOC Foundation, provides independent, evidence-based assessments to influence policy changes, encourage safer app design practices, and empower parents to make informed decisions.

Parents: Champions of Online Safety

Parents play a crucial role in creating a safe online environment for their children. open and honest conversations about internet safety and potential risks are paramount. Engage actively with the apps your children use, reviewing privacy settings and considering parental control software to monitor their activity.

“Parents can play a crucial role in creating a safe online habitat for their children. Start by having open and honest conversations about internet safety and the potential risks involved,” advises the researcher. “Actively engage with the apps your children use, review the privacy settings, and consider using parental control software to monitor their activity. Educate yourself about ‘dark patterns’ and how they can impact your child’s behavior. Stay informed about the latest research and recommendations from organizations like Internet safety Labs.”

Combating Dark Patterns: Empowering Consumers

“Dark patterns” often exploit cognitive biases, tricking users into making choices they wouldn’t otherwise make. These manipulative design elements can lead to unintended app downloads, needless subscriptions, or even exposure to harmful content. Understanding these tactics empowers parents to guide their children towards safer online experiences.

Building a Safer Digital Future

Creating a safer digital world requires a collective effort. Parents, educators, policymakers, and the tech industry must collaborate to develop and implement effective solutions.

“The internet can be a fantastic resource for learning, creativity, and connection, but it’s essential to approach it with awareness and duty.By working together—parents, educators, policymakers, and the tech industry—we can create a safer and more equitable digital world for all children,” concludes the researcher.

How can parents advocate for stronger online safety measures from technology companies?

Protecting Children Online: An Interview with sarah Miller,Head of Education at Internet Safety Labs

The internet plays a vital role in children’s lives,but it also presents unique challenges to their safety and well-being. To discuss the latest research on online risks and how parents can protect their children, we spoke with Sarah Miller, Head of education at Internet Safety Labs.

Sarah, thank you for joining us. What are some of the moast notable online dangers facing children today?

Thanks for having me. Certainly, one of the biggest concerns is “dark patterns” – design elements used within apps that manipulate user behavior, frequently enough without their conscious awareness. These can lead to unintended app downloads, unwanted subscriptions, or even exposure to inappropriate content. Additionally, privacy risks are a constant concern, with children’s data frequently collected and possibly shared without proper consent or knowledge.

How can “dark patterns” specifically impact children, given they are still developing their critical thinking skills?

Children are particularly vulnerable to “dark patterns” as they may not fully understand the manipulative tactics used.Things like hidden buttons, confusing language, or pressure tactics can easily trick them into making decisions they wouldn’t otherwise make. Imagine a game app that uses countdown timers to pressure a child into making an in-app purchase they don’t need, or an app that makes it incredibly arduous to cancel a subscription after signing up. These design choices can exploit a child’s desire for instant gratification or sense of urgency, leading to potential financial harm or excessive screen time.

What advice would you give parents who want to empower their children to navigate the online world safely?

Open and honest communication is key. Talk to your children about the potential dangers online, but also about the amazing opportunities it offers. Teach them about “dark patterns” and how to recognize them. Encourage them to think critically about online data and to question anything that seems suspicious.Review app permissions together, set time limits for screen time, and always be involved in their online activities.

What resources are available to parents who want to learn more about online safety for children?

Internet Safety Labs, as well as organizations like Common Sense Media and ConnectSafely, offer a wealth of information and resources for parents. We provide guides on topics like social media safety, cyberbullying, and online privacy. They also have tips on how to manage screen time and how to talk to your children about online risks.

Where can readers learn more about Internet Safety Labs’ work?

You can visit our website at www.internetsafetylabs.org. We have a wealth of information about our research, our resources, and how to get involved in our mission to create a safer online world for children.

What are your thoughts on the responsibility of technology companies in creating a safer online environment for children?

Technology companies have a responsibility to design apps with children’s safety in mind. This means avoiding “dark patterns,” implementing strong privacy protections, and providing clear and accessible information to parents about how their data is being used. We need to work together to ensure that the digital world is a safe and enriching place for all children.

Thank you, Sarah, for your time and insights.

What steps are you taking to protect your children online? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.