Parents share concerns over Houseparty app during lockdown
Charlotte Grant-West
Netmums contributorWhat could be better during lockdown than an app that lets you chat with friends and play games? But with more and more kids using it and rumours circulating about hacking, how safe IS Houseparty for you and your kids? Here's the latest ...
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Since the UK lockdown put a stop to ALL playdates, parties and socialising, Houseparty has become a pretty popular part of the family.
In case you've been living under a rock, we're talking about the video-focused social network app that can bring together up to eight friends (and friends of friends) at the same time, through live video and texts.
Handy for letting the kids see their friends when they're not allowed out for more than a quick out of exercise, right?
But over the last few days parents have been sharing their concerns over the safety of the app, including claims it can hack into your personal details or enabled other services like Netflix and Spotify to be hacked.
With rumours spreading like wildfire on social media and google searches for 'how to delete Houseparty' also gaining popularity, it's worth knowing that the US company behind Houseparty has hit back.
With 'no evidence' to back up those 'claims', here's what Houseparty wrote on Twitter today:
'We are investigating indications that the recent hacking rumours were spread by a paid commercial smear campaign.'
It then added:
'We are offering a $1,000,000 bounty for the first individual to provide proof of such a campaign.'
Speaking to Forbes, US cyber security journalist Davey Winder says:
'The volume of these complaints has become viral itself, despite there being absolutely no evidence at all to suggest that Houseparty is linked to any hacking incidents.
'The only connection to any other account compromise would appear to be that Houseparty was either the last app installed or, as the hacking rumors started to gain traction on Twitter, that others were blaming the app.
'I have not seen a single piece of actual evidence that any hack can be attributed to Houseparty, and nor would it seem have the Houseparty developers themselves.'
So with no evidence to support hacking claims, experts say Houseparty is safe to use.
However, as with all apps, parents should be aware of what its intended use is and who it's suitable for.
Here's what parents should know about it and some top tips for using it:
What exactly IS Houseparty?
Houseparty has become one of the most downloaded apps in the UK, thanks to droves of people downloading it while in coronavirus lockdown.
According to Apptopia downloads of the app rose from an average of 130,000 a week mid-February to 2m a week in the middle of March, reports the BBC.
What age is it for?
Houseparty has an age restriction of 13+ so anyone using it younger than this must be highly supervised.
Although the app is relatively secure as users can create 'rooms' and pick only specific names of the people to talk with, if a child doesn’t 'lock' their chat room and choose private settings, others can pop into the video chat.
Tips for using Houseparty
- Turn on Private mode as this will automatically lock rooms
- Be present with your child when they are using it to monitor their usage, conversations and what they're seeing/showing others
- Have a discussion with your child about keeping safe online e.g. don't show road names or house numbers, don't wearing any uniform that gives a clue as to where they are or personal information about them
- Make sure the location sharing setting is turned off
- Ensure they know how to report and block user
- Remind them they can and should share anything that worries with them with you
Installing protective software on your computer will give you some extra-needed peace of mind. This software by Norton is pre-paid for a whole year and guarantees bank-grade encryption when accessing your favourite apps at home or on-the-go. Plus, it can protect up to five devices! Find it here at Amazon for £15.50.
Are you worried about your kids using Houseparty? How are you keeping in touch with everyone during lockdown? Comment in our chat thread below!
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