"Imagine a bank where children as young as 13 are allowed to sign contracts for car loans, high-limit credit cards, or even connect with risky foreign investors." This opening analogy, presented by the authors of this article in Deseret News, starkly illustrates the exploitative practices of app stores. The authors, who are experts in law, child protection, and digital policy, argue that in the digital world, children are frequently treated as adults, with app stores requiring them to accept terms of service that expose their personal data—often without informed consent. These terms can allow apps to access sensitive information, including photos, contacts, precise locations, and even device microphones and cameras.
App Store Ratings Create False Sense of Security
The article exposes how app stores function as digital gatekeepers yet fail to protect minors. The flawed app rating system, particularly within Apple's App Store, has been criticized for misleading parents. A Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that Apple’s rating system frequently classifies apps containing violent or explicit content as appropriate for children as young as four. Similarly, a Canadian Center for Child Protection report criticized both Apple and Google for their inadequate child safety measures. These deceptive ratings create a false sense of security, rendering parental controls ineffective.
Roblox is “X-Rated Pedophile Hellscape”
A key example is Roblox, a gaming platform rated 12+ in the Apple App Store, with the primary listed risk being "cartoon violence." However, the authors cite severe concerns, stating:
"A Hindenburg Research investigation labeled Roblox an ‘X-rated pedophile hellscape,’ exposing widespread safety flaws."
The article recounts a tragic case in Utah, where a young boy was groomed on Roblox, abducted by a predator, and taken across state lines. Despite these alarming safety risks, millions of parents rely on app store ratings, unaware of the hidden dangers their children face.
More Transparency Needed About Risks
Another major issue is the lack of transparency. The authors report that app stores bury critical safety information, such as privacy policies and content warnings, behind ads or hidden links. This means parents often approve app downloads without fully understanding the risks. Despite these concerns, Apple continues to promote its App Store as “a trusted place” for discovering safe apps. During the Epic Games v. Apple trial, Apple even compared its safety measures to a "six-point racing harness"—a claim the authors argue is contradicted by mounting evidence of misleading practices and child exploitation.
It’s Time to Put Kids First
To address these failures, the authors advocate for the App Store Accountability Act, which would:
- Require parental consent before minors can download apps or make purchases.
- Allow parents to sue app stores when ratings misrepresent content.
- Enforce stricter age verification, ensuring apps categorize users anonymously while protecting privacy.
By implementing these reforms, governments could go a long way toward ensuring app stores prioritize children’s safety over profit. The authors conclude with a strong call to action:
"No more exploitation. No more excuses. It’s time to put kids first."
Read the full article in Deseret News.
Contact Anapol Weiss’ Roblox Lawsuit Attorneys for a Free Consultation
For a free consultation on pursuing justice against Roblox for any harm caused to your child, please contact Anapol Weiss. Our firm is actively investigating claims and is dedicated to holding Roblox accountable for its unsafe platform. Reach out to explore your options for legal recourse through a Roblox lawsuit with Anapol Weiss.