Regulators in Germany are banning the sale of smartwatches for children. Telling parents to get rid of existing devices as it poses significant threat to privacy.
Smartwatches essentially are easily trackable via GPS and reveal children’s locations. While this can be useful for some parents, it is especially useful for predators. Giving children personal communication access to the online world without supervision is also problematic in a similar way. Predators often pose as children to lure victims, and smartwatches just make the job easier for them.
Beware of “Smart” Toys and Wearables
The topic of “smart” toys always comes up closer to the holiday season. Last year several toys were revealed to be collecting data without disclosing the user. This includes smart dolls and robots for children. Wearables are especially concerning since it is on the person most of the time. Giving those with malicious intent direct access behind the parent’s back.
Other European Countries on the same Consensus
It is not only Germany that sees the devices as problematic. Last month, the European Consumer Organization issued warnings about smartwatches stating the same concerns. The Norwegian Consumer Council also outlines specifically how these devices are dangerous and harms children in an October report.
This coming holiday season, going analog for children’s gifts might be the smarter way to go.
