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App developers and Apple hold accountability for protecting children from accessing explicit content within their apps.

Advocating for stronger child protection measures, a youthful campaigner reveals her previous attempts to infiltrate adult-oriented apps, urging tech giants such as Apple to take more proactive steps to shield minors from such content.

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Activist Advocates for Stricter Child Protection Measures in Digital Platforms, Recounting Personal...
Activist Advocates for Stricter Child Protection Measures in Digital Platforms, Recounting Personal History of Unauthorized Access to Adult-Themed Applications.

App developers and Apple hold accountability for protecting children from accessing explicit content within their apps.

At the tender age of 15, I dived headfirst into the digital world of Grindr, a move that would lead to a rollercoaster ride of Curiosity, Encounters, and Eventual Caution. Armed with a photo of my bare chest and a fake alias, I embarked on this quest, initially feeling uncomfortable but intrigued by usernames like '"looking for young" and "discreet hookups only." Introduced to LGBTQ+ sexuality in such an open and bold way, I finally realized the truth that had evaded me - there are gay people everywhere.

My months-long expedition on Grindr peaked one fateful night, after a long day of schoolwork, dance, and everything in between. The Grindr notification chimed, and my chat buddy from the previous night was back online. Persuaded by his "now or never" mantra, I found myself crawling out my bedroom window, ready to explore the unknown.

Growing up in a supportive and open-minded household, my parents had done almost everything right according to parenting experts. They knew that shielding me too much could ultimately lead to rebellion. But what about kids who weren't so fortunate? What about those who find solace and exploration in the digital realm because their physical environment makes them feel unsafe?

In America, approximately one-fourth of high school students identified as LGBTQ+. With these teens facing public scrutiny and, in many cases, unfriendly school environments, it's no wonder they turn to the online world for anonymity, community, and freedom. Unfortunately, this choice often comes with the risks of encountering unwanted or unsafe interactions. In fact, LGBTQ+ teens are 3 times more likely to experience such hazards online.

Fortunately, my night ended when I spotted the guy's truck turning down my street. After that, I steered clear of Grindr until I was safely ensconced in the protective walls of college.

You may be wondering who deserves the blame for my exploits. Was it Grindr's fault for allowing a minor to access their adult hookup app? Or was it my parents who didn't know the app was even latched onto my device? Maybe Apple, who couldn't seem to prevent the adult-only app from being downloaded by a 15-year-old? As I ponder the question, I find myself thinking about my beloved Stormy, my puppy who suddenly got sick from a chemical in her chew toy. If I were to blame anyone, I'd start by questioning why the toy hadn't gone through thorough safety testing, and then I'd probe as to why a store allowed it on the shelves in the first place.

Similarly, tech executives should stop toeing the line and point fingers at both the app stores and the developers that fail to provide adequate safety measures. Grindr has since implemented new safety features, and Apple has rolled out new child safety features. But it's clear that more needs to be done to ensure safety. For example, app store marketplaces should require third-party reviews of app ratings, just like movies, television programs, and video games. Only by implementing thorough ways of verifying age can we ensure the safety of those using these apps, especially since many of them are accessible without a mobile app.

Mothers like Kristin Bride, who lost her son after he was cyberbullied on anonymous apps that sneaked onto the App Store, and queer teens who've been assaulted after meeting someone online, deserve better from Big Tech. The industry must be held accountable for building safe products and services with safety as the top priority.

Lennon Torres, an LGBTQ+ advocate and dancer who gained national recognition on television shows, works tirelessly to craft her professional career in online child safety at Heat Initiative. With passion for storytelling, advocacy, and politics, she intends to bridge the gap between online safety and LGBTQ+ representation through compassionate and inclusive strategies. Find her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennon-torres-325b791b4/

Topics: Apps & Software, Social Good, Family & Parenting

  1. In my quest for exploration and discovery, I initially turned to Google for information about the apps I was using, including Grindr.
  2. As I navigated the digital landscape of social media, I discovered various communities, such as health-and-wellness and entertainment groups, that provided support and solace to individuals like me.
  3. Amidst the sea of apps, I found AI-driven tools particularly captivating, promising a future of enhanced connectivity and efficiency.
  4. Reflecting on my experiences, I realize the potential of tech to empower and educate, especially in areas like inclusivity and parenting, where guidance is crucial.
  5. While tech offers a wealth of opportunities, it also poses challenges, especially for young people, who need strong safeguards to protect them from potential dangers online.
  6. To ensure a brighter, safer future for all, tech companies, app developers, and app stores must prioritize safety and adopt more stringent verification methods for user ages and app ratings.

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