The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has launched «Own It», a mobile application that was developed in collaboration with the Lausanne based startup, Privately. The linchpin of the app is Privately’s AI software that detects the well-being and online safety markers of children as they interact with their devices and specific Internet services.
With the growing use of mobile technology and the internet among young people, it is of utmost importance to have a safe internet community for children where openness and the ability to obtain instant support is available. That is what the Lausanne based startup Privately is committed to achieving. The startup is a pioneer in developing child-focused, AI-based, GDPR compliant solutions for online safety and wellbeing of children. Their solution can be used in different mobile application services to enable children to make better choices and develop resilience in the digital world especially after owing their first mobile phone.
The first application using Privately technology is BBC’s recently launched «Own It» mobile application. Privately was a major technology partner for Own It. The app features a special keyboard that combines machine-learning technology with the ability to keep a diary of the child’s emotions detected through text and images. When the child’s behaviour strays outside safe and sensible norms, the app will offer on-screen advice and support. The app will also intervene to prevent cyberbullying, privacy and sharing of personal information.
Through Own It app, the BBC and Privately have taken a child-centric approach that will empower, support and educate children with a fun and engaging experience, without imposing the blocks, restrictions or filters of traditional parental monitoring and control software. The technology that has been co-developed is at the heart of this approach.
“The privacy-preserving AI element of the Own it applications an industry first,” said Deepak Tewari, CEO and co-founder, Privately. “This technology is now suitable as a powerful child-led solution for keeping children safe online for use by app developers, gaming companies and device manufacturers.
Further achievements to celebrate
The company is working with a number of global clients and has announced the addition of two high profile advisors to its board – Robert Wigley, Chairman of UK Finance and Richard Graham, a privacy-preserving well-known psychologist and Director at Good Thinking.
Please login or sign up to comment.
Commenting guidelines