Apple files its child protection functions

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Apple extends its functions and toolbox for the protection of children and adolescents. For this, the iPhone manufacturer mainly depends on the details to enable parents and developers to respond to the needs of different ages in the future. However, larger wishes such as improving the existing screen time or multi-user access to iPhone and iPad remain on the wish list.

Developers should be able to use a new interface called “Declared Age Range” in the course of the year. Parents can either call app developers an approximate age range, about 13 to 17 so that they can better cut their apps and content to the young users. Parents can also remove this information later. Above all, in the interest of data minimization, this should avoid that the exact date of birth of children must be published or alternatively personal data from parents.

New ages in the App Store

Apple also plans to revise the ages in the App Store after 15 years. Developers must classify their apps themselves. Instead of four, there will be five age limits to choose from. So far, the levels 4+, 9+, 12+ and 17+. The new classifications are 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+ and 18+. Parents should also find new uniform markings that indicate that if an app works with user-generated content, contains advertising or parent functions or demand proof of age.

There are improvements in detail when setting up children's accounts. This should be possible easier and faster in the future – if necessary, without the parents, but still with immediately activated protection. The age group (under 12, 13 to 17, under 18) can also be selected in the furnishings that a child belongs to. Querying the parents' means of payment should be a thing of the past if one is already stored in the parent account.

Furthermore only one account per device

The changes, The Apple also explained in a white papercomplement the existing child protection functions, above all the screen time to regulate the use of equipment, or the Communication Safety, which is intended to prevent children from receiving harmful messages. However, further changes in these functions, according to which are repeatedly requested in user forums, remain on the wish list. Furthermore, Apple insists that iPhones and iPads are personal devices and therefore can only be operated with an Apple account – however, the reality in some families is in such a way that they share an iPad.