Software monitoring kids online used for market data

September 4, 2009 Software sold under the sentry and family-safe brands can read private chats conducted through services such as Yahoo, MSN and AOL.

The data is then offered to businesses seeking ways to tailor their marketing messages to kids.

Children's names and addresses are not recorded, but the software can determine the child's age because of the way parents customize the programs.

The CEO of the software's developer, EchoMetrix, says parents who don't want the information shared can opt out by visiting the company's Web site.

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