Security issue in the Facebook Messenger Kids app lets kids chat to complete strangers

Facebook is asking for new controversy this week – after it was revealed that the Messenger Kids app exposed children to unauthenticated adults.

The entire purpose of the app, launched in 2017 as a safe alternative to Facebook Messenger, was for parents to be able to determine who their children are talking to.

However, a design error has enabled unauthenticated adults to participate in the app's group chat feature with minors.

Since the news of the error, Facebook has closed a number of group conversations and warned parents about the possible security breach.

The app is designed for children between 6 and 12 years old because they are considered too young to have a normal Facebook profile.

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& # 39; We recently informed some parents of users of Messenger Kids accounts of a technical error that we discovered regarding a small number of group chats & # 39 ;, a Facebook representative said in a statement.

& # 39; We have disabled the relevant chats and provided parents with additional information about Messenger Kids and online safety. & # 39;

The edge reported that & # 39; thousands & # 39; parents had received the message.

It is not clear now that the problem has existed for a long time, but it may have existed since the official launch of the product – about 18 months ago.

The problem is believed to be exclusive to the app's group chat feature.

When children have one-on-one conversations on Messenger Kids, they can only communicate with people who have been pre-approved by their parents.

Error: it is not clear now that the problem has existed for a long time, but it may have existed since the official launch of Messenger Kids (photo) 18 months ago

This is designed to minimize the risk of exposure to strangers with bad intentions.

But when more than two users expand chats, any unauthenticated person can join the conversation – including adults.

Some parents worry that Facebook may have been in violation of the Children & # 39; s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which is intended to protect individuals under the age of thirteen.

If so, the social media giant can stand in line for a substantial fine.

Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission voted to pay Facebook a record amount of $ 5 billion after a long-term investigation into the repeated failure of the technology giant to protect the privacy of its users.

Facebook was fined for the deal with the defunct British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, where private information of 87 million people was improperly shared.

The $ 5 billion fine is the largest fine against a technology company, but the shares in the company increased 1.8 percent after the announcement – as investors expected the penalty could have been more severe.