Google Inc. (GOOGL) has authenticated the rumors that it is developing kid-friendly versions of some of its products. These versions are targeted at kids who are 12 years or younger.
According to a report by USA Today, there may possibly be new versions of search, Chrome and YouTube. However, the company did not reveal what products it is working on or when it plans to launch them.
Google's Pavni Diwanj told USA Today that the company will make these revamped versions safe for children below 12 years of age and will also provide parents with tools to oversee their kids' actions.
The move by the search giant to enlist kids requires the company to tread cautiously as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the U.S. has stringent policies, which includes mining of a child’s personal information.
The COPPA requires that before collecting, using or disclosing personal information from a child, Internet companies have to get the parent’s verifiable consent.
Google’s move toward offering products especially for kids is therefore prone to come under close scrutiny by parents and regulators.
The company expects that there will be a few controversies over the change.
Others to Tread the Path
Google is however not the foremost technology company to concentrate on kids.
In September this year, Apple Inc. (AAPL) outlined privacy measures for permitting children below 13 years to have their personal Apple ID, and for Family Sharing, which lets six people of a family share purchases from iTunes, iBooks and the App Store.
In April, Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) rolled out an ad-free version of its Bing search engine in eligible kindergarten to 12th grade schools in the U.S. Microsoft announced that Bing searches from inside the school network will be filtered for adult content.
Google currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
Investors can instead consider Stamps.com Inc (STMP) as it sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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