In the fun of the holidays, it can be tempting to turn to technology to add to the magic. But, as the Better Business Bureau pointed out, there are some things parents need to know before they hit “download” on that new Santa app.

Apple’s App Store and Google Play offer a range of holiday-themed apps with things like live video chats with Santa, witness Santa’s live reindeer feeding or monitor his sleigh or share their Christmas wish list. These apps can collection information on the user – possibly even a child.

According to the BBB, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, gives parents control over who collects information from children online. It applies to all apps and websites that are directed to children under age 13 and includes things like names and addresses, email addresses, photographs, or precise geolocation information, among others. COPPA requires websites and online services covered by COPPA to post privacy policies, provide parents with direct notice of their information practices, and get verifiable consent from a parent or guardian before collecting personal information from children.

Here are some guidelines for parents, according to BBB:

• Review the privacy policy for sites and apps – Responsible apps designed for children should offer a clear and accessible privacy policy. If you can’t find a privacy policy easily, think twice before downloading. A comprehensive privacy policy should include information on who collects personal data, the types of data collected, its intended use, storage procedures, data access, parental rights, and opt-out options.
• Understand data collection – Parental consent must be obtained before online services can collect photos, videos or voice recordings from children younger than 13. Parental approval is also required before children share personal information publicly. BBB recommends before your child downloads an app, investigate what kind of data it may collect, using resources like Apple’s Privacy Details section in the App Store.
• Set permission controls – Many free apps may include in-app purchases that children can access once it is downloaded with parental consent. Ensure that your child’s device requires a password for each download to avoid an expensive mistake.
• Exercise caution with free apps – Pay particular attention to free apps, many of which feature extensive advertising. Ads can be frequent and mandatory to advance in a game, sometimes tempting children to purchase in-game items or can include information intended for older audiences. Even free apps without visible ads can collect data that would be used for future ad targeting. BBB recommends adjusting your device settings to mitigate surreptitious ad targeting.
• Think before downloading – Be cautious before you download any app but particularly free ones that can contain malware. Make sure the app store page includes a privacy policy link, contact information, and the publisher’s address details. Use common sense to assess the apps’ credibility, as crude designs or imitations of well-known characters may indicate potential issues.
• Read reviews – Services such as Common Sense Media can help you determine whether the app’s content is suitable for your child.