Are parental control apps legal?

Parental control apps are generally legal for parents to use on their minor children’s devices, primarily because parents are legally and ethically responsible for their children’s well-being. These apps are used to monitor online activities, block inappropriate content, manage screen time, and track location, with the intent of protecting children from dangers like cyberbullying, online predators, identity theft, and exposure to harmful content. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (ECPA) allows for “vicarious consent,” meaning a parent can consent to monitoring on behalf of their child if it is done out of genuine concern for the child’s welfare.

However, the legality changes significantly once a child reaches adulthood (typically 18 years old, though this can vary by state or country). Using parental control apps on an adult’s phone without their explicit consent is considered illegal and can be likened to wiretapping, potentially leading to legal liabilities. Some parental control features, like Apple’s Screen Time, automatically adjust or become controllable by the individual once they turn 18, provided their birthdate is correctly set. If parental controls remain active on an adult’s device, the individual may be able to disable them or leave family sharing groups to regain full control over their privacy.

Laws such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the USA also regulate how online services collect and use personal information from children under 13, requiring parental authorization and giving parents control over their child’s data. Some countries, like France with its “Studer” law, are even mandating manufacturers to implement parental controls on devices to protect children from unsuitable content.