If you’re thinking about adding your children to your devices so that you can share content, it helps to be aware of which apps experts say are safe and, more importantly, which can be pose serious security and privacy risks. You may have already vetoed social media apps like Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok, but there are far less obvious apps that can be even more of a threat. These are the most dangerous apps that shouldn’t be on your family’s devices, according to tech experts.
Zoomerang
One of the features of the Zoomerang app that should be a cause of concern is location tracking, according to John Tian, co-founder of Mobitrix. “This feature allows online predators to accurately see where your kid is at when using the app,” Tian says. “Yes, this app is rated E for Everyone. However, as is the case where your children can share videos online, there is a risk involved. It is easy for ill-intentioned people to screenshot portions of the videos shared, manipulate them, and proceed to take brief moments out of this context. For example, cyberbullying occurs regularly through such a tactic.”
Among Us
It seems like a harmless enough game, but Tian says this is a web-based multiplayer social deduction game that parents should be worried about their children playing with strangers. “Throughout the game session, you never know who these players might be, their intentions, and what they may share with your kid,” Tian notes. “In 2020, this game was successfully hacked, and the hacker shared with players promotions to visit his server and YouTube Channel. The promotions contained pornographic material, extremist political views, gore, and racist language.”
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Ask.FM
According to Tech Expert Max Shak from abtron.com, Ask.FM is a threat to young people because users are encouraged to allow anonymous questions to be asked. “The app is known for cases of cyberbullying and harassment,” Shak says.
Whisper
“An anonymous social platform, Whisper encourages users to share secrets among themselves,” Shak says. “People can also meet up with the app by revealing their location.”
Hot or Not
Hot or Not is yet another app that can be detrimental to a young person’s privacy. “User profiles can be rated and compared on Hot or Not,” Shak says. “According to law enforcement, the app is used to hook up.”
Consider avoiding these apps altogether to protect your family from hackers — and typical creeps.
