The Canadian child protection organization, Cybertip.ca, issued a warning to parents yesterday regarding the Wizz app, similar to Tinder, designed for teenagers. The warning was issued after the app returned to Apple’s App Store. Although it has been restored to the App Store, it is not available on Google Play.
Cybertip.ca has received over 180 reports involving Wizz since 2021, and the number of reports in 2023 has increased tenfold compared to the previous year. In most cases, the reports concerned sexual extortion, with boys between the ages of 15 and 17 being the primary victims.
In response to the warning, a representative from Wizz stated that the company is committed to ensuring the safety of app users. Wizz has created an online community for teenage users and takes daily actions to enhance safety.
Wizz has made changes to the app after it was previously removed from both Google Play and the App Store due to concerns about sexual extortion and other online safety threats. Wizz has implemented in-app warnings, educational safety materials, and mandatory profile verification to ensure that the profile picture matches the selfie taken during registration.
According to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P), the Wizz app allows users to browse profiles of other individuals that include pictures, names, ages, marital status, and zodiac signs. The app aims to provide a “safe space” for teenagers to meet new friends of similar ages.
Despite the implemented changes, Cybertip.ca has raised doubts about the effectiveness of moderation and verification features in the Wizz app. Referring to tests, the organization found that women in their twenties were able to create fake profiles as sixteen-year-old boys and engage with minors on the platform.
Wizz responded by stating that their implemented security measures act as a safety net, and in the event of any situations that go beyond intended boundaries, other features provide additional layers of security. The company continues to work on enhancing the app and introducing additional features to increase safety.
While Wizz has taken steps towards increasing safety, concerns regarding online sexual exploitation of children and youth still exist. It is important for parents to be aware of these risks and monitor their children’s online activities. Engaging in discussions with children about online safety and informing them about potential dangers is also good practice.
FAQ:
1. Which app is the warning issued for parents about?
The warning pertains to the Wizz app, similar to Tinder, designed for teenagers.
2. Why was the warning issued?
The warning was issued after the app returned to Apple’s App Store. It was previously removed from both Google Play and the App Store due to concerns about sexual extortion and other online safety threats.
3. What reports has Cybertip.ca received regarding the Wizz app?
Cybertip.ca has received over 180 reports involving the Wizz app since 2021, and the number of reports in 2023 has increased tenfold compared to the previous year. In most cases, the reports were related to sexual extortion, with boys between the ages of 15 and 17 being the primary victims.
4. How does Wizz respond to the warning?
A representative from Wizz stated that the company is committed to ensuring the safety of app users. The company has made changes to the app, such as in-app warnings, educational safety materials, and mandatory profile verification.
5. What information about other individuals can be found on the Wizz app?
According to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P), the Wizz app allows users to browse profiles of other individuals that include pictures, names, ages, marital status, and zodiac signs. The app aims to provide a “safe space” for teenagers to meet new friends of similar ages.
6. Are the moderation and verification features in the Wizz app effective?
Cybertip.ca has raised doubts about the effectiveness of these features. Tests conducted by the organization revealed that women in their twenties were able to create fake profiles as sixteen-year-old boys and engage with minors on the platform.
7. How does Wizz respond to these doubts?
Wizz claims that their implemented security measures act as a safety net, and in the event of situations that go beyond intended boundaries, other features provide additional layers of security. The company continues to work on enhancing the app and introducing additional features to increase safety.
8. How can parents protect their children from online threats?
It is important for parents to be aware of the risks associated with online sexual exploitation of children and youth. Monitoring their children’s online activities and engaging in discussions about online safety are important practices.
The source of the article is from the blog karacasanime.com.ve