One of the key themes we must take away from our ongoing analysis of the K12 EdTech safety benchmark data throughout this year is that current software norms [like the finding below] result in extremely risky technology for children [of all ages]. Recall that 28% of the apps in our benchmark WEREN'T edtech apps, but mixed audience services like news and reference sites, games, streaming media, etc. Nearly 80% of the sampled of apps were collecting location information. Certainly, the majority of these apps don't have a sufficiently compelling need to collect location information.
We must not become complacent and regard this as an acceptable situation. The numbers may seem overwhelming and the situation may seem intractable, but it starts with awareness, knowledge, facts. It starts with constant, accurate measurement and reporting of the risky invisible behaviors of the software.
ISL will continue to catalog and publish the unavoidable safety risks in software in order to hold developers accountable. (And there's still time to avail of a tax-deductible contribution to further our efforts. :-)
Did you know that 79% of EdTech apps used in K12 schools access student location? This is one of the many research insights we’ve published in our 2022 US EdTech K12 Benchmark Report.
If you find this helpful, now is the time before the year ends to make your contribution matter. Internet Safety Labels is a non-profit fueled by grants and donations from our supporters.
Link to donate:
https://lnkd.in/dPxMcV4E
Vice President Program Management Office & Launch Management at Adient
2wThanks to all colleagues in campus Burscheid who contributed with the school materials and donations for the pre-school children - we made 29 families in Burscheid really happy! :-)