Disney illegally tracking children via apps, lawsuit claims

SAN FRANCISCO – A lawsuit filed in federal court claims Disney is illegally tracking children via popular online apps.

The Hollywood Reporter reports Amanda Rushing filed the class action lawsuit Thursday on behalf of her daughter.

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According to the lawsuit, Rushing claims her daughter was tracked using the Disney Princess Palace Pets app, a violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

Rushing believes the app contains an ad-specific software kit embedded in the code, allowing Disney to collect personal information without consent.

"Disney has failed to safeguard children’s personal information and ensure that third-parties’ collection of data from children is lawful," writes Rushing's attorney Michael Sobol.

Sobol adds developers obtain "critical pieces of data" from the mobile devices which allow providers to detect a child's activity across multiple apps. The lawsuit information is then allegedly sold to various third-parties.

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act places restrictions on online sites directed at children under 13.

In the lawsuit, Rushing also cites the following Disney-related apps include the same tracking software:

  • AvengersNet
  • Beauty and the Beast: Perfect Match
  • Cars Lightning League
  • Club Penguin Island
  • Color by Disney
  • Disney Color and Play
  • Disney Crossy Road
  • Disney Dream Treats
  • Disney Emoji Blitz
  • Disney Gif
  • Disney Jigsaw Puzzle!
  • Disney LOL
  • Disney Princess: Story Theater
  • Disney Store Become
  • Disney Story Central
  • Disney's Magic Timer by Oral-B
  • Disney Princess: Charmed Adventures
  • Dodo Pop
  • Disney Build It Frozen
  • DuckTales: Remastered
  • Frozen Free Fall
  • Frozen Free Fall: Icy Shot
  • Good Dinosaur Storybook Deluxe
  • Inside Out Thought Bubbles
  • Maleficent Free Fall
  • Miles from Tomorrowland: Missions
  • Moana Island Life
  • Olaf's Adventures
  • Palace Pets in Whisker Hven
  • Sofia the First Color and Play
  • Sofia the First Secret Library
  • Star Wars Commander
  • Star Wars: Puzzle Droids
  • Temple Run: Oz, Temple
  • Run: Brave
  • The Lion Guard
  • Toy Story: Story Theater
  • Where's My Water?
  • Where's My Mickey?
  • Where's My Water? 2
  • Where's My Water? Lite
  • Where's My Water? Free
  • Zootopia