Report Finds Over 200 Risky Apps Rated Safe for Kids on Apple’s App Store

A 24-hour study by child safety groups reveals inappropriate content in apps rated for children as young as four, raising concerns over Apple’s age rating system and app review process.

• The study, conducted by Heat Initiative and ParentsTogether Action, reviewed 800 apps and identified over 200 with inappropriate or harmful content rated as suitable for children aged 4+, 9+, or 12+.
• Problematic apps included those enabling stranger chats, promoting unhealthy body image, encouraging extreme dieting, and featuring sexual or violent content in games.
• The 200+ flagged apps have collectively been downloaded over 550 million times, highlighting their widespread reach among users.
• Apple markets the App Store as a safe platform but relies on developers for age ratings, raising questions about the effectiveness of its app review process and safety promises.
• The report urges Apple to adopt third-party reviews, increase transparency in the rating process, and strengthen parental controls to better protect young users.

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