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Apple has announced the expansion of its child protection system on its devices, iPhone and iPad, aiming to improve existing tools and enhance digital security for children while adding new features that give parents more control. This expansion comes as part of the company’s efforts to provide a safer environment for children when browsing the internet and using apps on their devices.
New Features for Child Protection: Enhancing Security and Privacy
Apple confirmed that the goal of these updates is to better protect children while they browse the internet, without compromising their privacy. As part of these new features, parents will be able to set up accounts for their children more easily when setting up a new device, with the option to verify parental consent through the credit card already linked to the parents’ Apple account.
Device Setup: Protecting Internet Content and Restricting Apps
If children set up an iPhone or iPad themselves, the initial setup will be limited to displaying web content that is appropriate for children only. Children can also use certain apps such as Notes to draw pictures or Pages and Keynote for school assignments. However, if they want to download additional apps or use other services, they will need to ask for parental approval to complete the setup process.
Age Verification Without Disclosing Sensitive Data
Apple’s new child protection system allows parents to approve apps without disclosing sensitive information, such as their children’s exact birthdate. Previously, some app developers required users to upload a photo of an ID card to verify the child’s age, which posed a privacy threat. To address this, Apple has adopted a more secure approach by using an Application Programming Interface (API) for age verification, minimizing the amount of data used, which ensures children’s privacy and security.
Transparency in the App Store: Additional Information on App Content
Apple is working to increase transparency in the App Store by adding more information about whether apps contain user-generated content or ads that may not be appropriate for children. Developers will also be able to specify whether an app requires child protection features or age verification. Apps that exceed the age restrictions set by parents will be prevented from appearing in the App Store’s editorial section.
New Age Categories: Helping Parents Make Informed Decisions
Apple previously categorized apps into four age groups: 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+. However, moving forward, these categories will be divided into five new age groups: over 4 years, over 9 years, over 13 years, over 16 years, and over 18 years. This change aims to help parents make more informed decisions about the apps their children are using.
Restrictions on Shared Devices: Limited Protection on Shared Devices
Apple’s child protection features are only effective if the child uses their personal device. If the device, such as an iPad, is shared among family members and linked to a parent’s account, protection will be limited. In this case, parents will not be able to install apps that are inappropriate for children.
Parental Control Over Screen Time: More Flexible Management
Apple also offers parents a tool to manage screen time, where they can set a password to limit the maximum amount of time their child spends on the device. However, parents need to ensure they are the only ones who know the password to override the pre-set screen time limits.
Sources:
- German News Agency – Report on expanding child protection on Apple devices
- Apple – New updates for child protection on iPhone and iPad
- Twitter (Apple News) – Guidelines on child protection tools
- Business Insider – Report on changes in the App Store and child protection mechanisms