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Tech Report: App Privacy Concerns And Family Online Safety

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— I'm in Washington D.C., where I'm moderating a panel at the Family Online Safety Institute on app privacy, security and safety.

We really focused on all the issues about mobile phone apps. I've been in the internet online safety world for close to 20 years now, but the smartphone has really upended because you get these apps and you not only have to worry about content, because of your children, but as well as privacy, your location and whether or not they access your contact list.

KCBS' Tech Report:

As far as I'm concerned, the cell phone is like a black box for airplanes. Worrying about if your phone and carrier are disclosing your location is my biggest concern. I'm also worried about if applications are posting to Facebook on your behalf without you clearly having that understanding.

I'm not paranoid about viruses on smartphones, but I do foresee it as a problem that will grow in time.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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