Concerns over LG’s new child tracking device

LG Electronics recently introduced a wrist-worn device designed to help parents track their children’s whereabouts and listen to what they are discussing or probably up to.

 

The device called Kizon uses GPS and Wi-Fi signals to identify the wearer's location and sends the information to an Android app.

 

According to the company, the device is primarily targeted at families with pre-school and primary school children.

 

But not many are really excited about the idea, a report by BBC News Technology Editor, Leo Kelion, reveals.

 

In the words of Peter Bradley, director of services at the charity Kidscape, "A parent should never solely rely on a device alone. This will only give a false sense of security. Children still need to be taught about dangers - particularly 'stranger danger'.There are ethical points to consider too - should a child be able to be traced as part of going about their daily lives? How can a child develop their own coping strategies knowing a parent is watching over them?"

Privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch has also called for more details to be made available.

"Parents must be aware that any technology with location tracking and mobile phone services come with added security concerns, which are only heightened when the user is a child," said acting director Emma Carr.

"The companies developing the products must be explicitly clear what they are doing to enhance the security around the data collected to ensure that it is only the parents who will ever have access to the child's location and contact details." He maintained. A spokeswoman from LG was unable to discuss the issues raised.

The South Korean firm is not the first to market such a device - start-ups including KMS Solutions, Tinitell and Filip have announced similar products - however, LG's launch marks the entry of a major tech company into the sector.

Photos: BBC News