Facebook Messenger Kids app bug allows group chats with unknown people

Facebook recently launched its new app called Messenger Kids, where the parents can have full control of the application. In this app, parents can allow or block the friends of their kids whom they feel insecure about having any kind of relationship with them. The recent bug from the app allowed the kids to join the group chats with unapproved contacts and their contacts.

Also, messages don't disappear and they cannot be hidden in case parents would like to check-in. Due to this technical error kids were allowed to communicate with the non-approved people through the group chat feature. Facebook hasn't made this error public yet but it has taken steps to notify the parents regarding this issue.

However, the company did send a notice to the parents, which states "We found a technical error that allowed [CHILD]’s friend [FRIEND] to create a group chat with [FRIEND]’s parent-approved friends. We want you to know that we’ve turned off this group chat and are making sure that group chats like this won’t be allowed in the future. If you have questions about Messenger Kids and online safety, please visit our Help Center and Messenger Kids parental controls. We’d also appreciate your feedback."

According to a report by The Verge, the authenticity of the notice was verified. It was sent to thousands of users in recent days. Facebook also added that "We want you to know that we’ve turned off this group chat and are making sure that group chats like this won’t be allowed in the future."

For the unaware, the Messenger Kids app is similar to the Facebook Messenger app but the children can only communicate with the contacts approved by their parents. This gives the advantage to the parents to keep an eye on their children from starting a conversation with a stranger or other contact.

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Since this app involves the children below age 13 it should follow the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act which has some rules and regulations to follow. If this app fails to satisfy these rules and regulations then Facebook can face hefty fines from the Federal Trade Commission.