Hangouts
Risk Score
Medium
App Details
Google Hangouts allows users to communicate with others individually or as a group using video, phone or messaging components.
Why is it a risk?
It is possible for anybody who has a child's email address to contact them through this app without requesting permission first, so strangers can initiate interaction. Privacy settings can be modified, and unwanted contact can be blocked, although it has been reported by parents that this process can be a little confusing. Also, it is important to note that some parents have reported being targeted with inappropriate incoming content through Google Hangouts, including gambling and pornographic related direct advertising and links to external sites.