Children’s Privacy: Gameloft Disney Getaway Blast app found by CARU to violate COPPA
The Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) of BBB National Programs advised Gameloft its Disney Getaway Blast app is not in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), nor does it adhere to CARU’s Self-Regulatory Guidelines. CARU’s concern is that the app for ages 4-up has a setting that can be enabled by children and allows personal data collection without notifying parents or obtaining consent. CARU also found in-app ads and use of in-app rewards and game boosters. These are seen as manipulative tactics designed to get kids to watch ads and make purchases. Gameloft has committed to making changes based on CARU’s direction.