FTC says Apple and Google Remove Dating Apps Violating Children’s Online Privacy

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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said three dating apps allowing children under 12 to sign up for its service are no longer available on the Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store.

Apple and Google removed Meet24, FastMeet and Meet4U from its app stores after the FTC warned the operator of the dating apps, Wildec LLC, a company based in Ukraine.

Dating apps operator receives warning letter from the FTC

In its warning letter, the U.S. consumer protection watchdog told Wildec that its dating apps appeared to be in violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and FTC Act.

Under COPPA, companies collecting the personal information of children under the age of 13 are required to post clear privacy policies. The law also requires companies to inform parents and get their verifiable consent before collecting, using or sharing children’s personal data.

The FTC issued a warning letter Wildec after investigating the privacy policy and practices of its three dating apps, which claimed to prohibit users under the age of 13.