YouTube is launching its YouTube Kids app in the UK and Ireland, nine months after its child-friendly service went live in the US.
More than 10 million American parents have downloaded the app, which serves up a filtered selection of videos and channels that are appropriate for children.
The app also removes social features like comments and the ability to upload videos; has a built-in timer to limit how long children can use it; and blocks inappropriate search terms including “sex”.
The UK and Irish version of YouTube Kids emphasises local channels, including famous children’s brands like Morph, Teletubbies, Wallace & Gromit and The Magic Roundabout.
However, they sit alongside digital brands like nursery-rhymes channel Little Baby Bum, Minecraft gamer Stampy and app-inspired cartoon series Talking Tom and Friends.
As in the US, the app is a free download for Android and iOS devices, but will make its money from advertisements running in between the videos.
That has been controversial in the US, with several consumer-rights organisationscalling for regulator the Federal Trade Commission to investigate YouTube Kidsover its use of ads.
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/nov/18/youtube-kids-app-launches-in-uk-and-ireland
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