PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Lindsay Jibb
AU  - Elsie Amoako
AU  - Melissa Heisey
AU  - Lily Ren
AU  - Quinn Grundy
TI  - Data handling practices and commercial features of apps related to children: a scoping review of content analyses
AID  - 10.1136/archdischild-2021-323292
DP  - 2022 Jul 01
TA  - Archives of Disease in Childhood
PG  - 665--673
VI  - 107
IP  - 7
4099  - http://adc.bmj.com/content/107/7/665.short
4100  - http://adc.bmj.com/content/107/7/665.full
SO  - Arch Dis Child2022 Jul 01; 107
AB  - Background Child interaction (including via parent proxy) with mobile apps is common, generating concern about children’s privacy and vulnerability to advertising and other commercial interests. Researchers have conducted numerous app content evaluations, but there is less attention to data sharing or commercial practices.Objective This scoping review of commercial app evaluation studies describes the nature of such evaluations, including assessments of data privacy, data security and app-based advertising.Methods We searched Scopus, PubMed, Embase and ACM Digital Library (2005–2020). We included studies that evaluated the properties of apps available through commercial app stores and targeted children, parents of a child (0–18 years) or expectant parents. Data extracted and synthesised were study and app user characteristics, and app privacy, data sharing, security, advertisement and in-app purchase elements.Results We included 34 studies; less than half (n=15; 44.1%) evaluated data privacy and security elements and half (n=17; 50.0%) assessed app commercial features. Common issues included frequent data sharing or lax security measures, including permission requests and third-party data transmissions. In-app purchase options and advertisements were common and involved manipulative delivery methods and content that is potentially harmful to child health.Conclusions Research related to the data handling and the commercial features of apps that may transmit children’s data is preliminary and has not kept pace with the rapid expansion and evolution of mobile app development. Critical examinations of these app aspects are needed to elucidate risks and inform regulations aimed at protecting children’s privacy and well-being.