Is Talking Tom Safe?

If you use or plan to use Talking Tom, you need to know: Is Talking Tom safe? 

Below, we explain whether Talking Tom is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is Talking Tom?

Talking Tom is a popular virtual pet app created by the company Outfit7. It features an animated cat named Tom who can mimic and respond to the user’s voice, among other interactive features. 

The app was first released in 2010 and quickly gained popularity, especially among younger audiences.

The central feature of Talking Tom is its ability to repeat whatever the user says in a funny, high-pitched voice. When you speak into your device, Tom listens and repeats your words back, often leading to humorous results. 

In addition to mimicking voices, Tom can respond to touch and gestures. You can pet him, poke him, and watch his reactions. The app includes various animations and sound effects to keep the interaction engaging.

Over the years, Talking Tom has evolved to include a range of customization options. Users can dress Tom in different outfits, change his appearance, and even decorate his virtual environment.

The Talking Tom app and its sequels have expanded to include a variety of mini-games. These games allow users to earn in-app currency, which can be used to purchase virtual items, like outfits or accessories for Tom.

Is Talking Tom Safe?

Talking Tom is generally considered safe.

However, something to note is that while Talking Tom is free to download, it is supported by ads, which can sometimes be inappropriate for younger children. 

Additionally, the app includes in-app purchases for virtual items, which could lead to unintended spending if a child is using the app.

The Talking Tom website does not discuss security or safety measures, nor does the developer’s website (Outfit 7).

There have been rumors of another Outfit 7 game, Talking Angela, being a front for a pedophile ring. In 2013, Snopes debunked this rumor, as did the Guardian in 2014 and PolitiFact in 2019. 

There were no data breaches associated with Talking Tom at the time of writing. 

Is Talking Tom Private?

Depends on your definition of “private.”

Like many free apps, Talking Tom collects data on user interactions and device information. The data is primarily used to improve the app experience, personalize content, and serve targeted ads. 

In its privacy policy, Outfit 7 says, “These ads do not track you or build a picture of you or your habits.”

However, if you’re at or above the age of consent, Talking Tom might ask if it can share your personal information with its partners, including advertisers. In these cases, the ads can track you and build a picture of you or your habits. 

This data collection is standard in many mobile apps but may not align with the expectations of users who are highly concerned about privacy.

Talking Tom is designed to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the U.S., which means it should have safeguards in place to protect children’s privacy, like parental consent mechanisms and limiting the collection of personal data from children under 13.

The Common Sense Privacy Program, which examines internet services and apps’ privacy policies from the perspective of children’s privacy, gives Talking Tom a score of 35% (from 100%). This is a “Warning,” meaning the app “does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.” 

The top concerns listed are that it is unclear whether personal information is sold or rented to third parties, personal information is shared for third-party marketing, personalized ads are displayed, data is collected by third parties for their own purposes, user information is used to track and target ads on third-party websites, and data profiles are created and used for personalized ads.

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On Talking Tom

Follow the steps below for a more private and secure experience while using Talking Tom. 

• Manage app permissions. Review and restrict the app’s permissions on your device. For example, you can turn off microphone access if you don’t want the app to record your voice, though this will limit the voice-mimicking feature. You can also turn off camera access if you don’t need to take photos or videos within the app.
• Use the app offline. Turn off your device’s internet connection (Wi-Fi and mobile data) while using the app. This prevents the app from sending data to external servers and reduces exposure to targeted ads.
• Avoid automatic updates. If using the app offline, be cautious about automatic updates, as they may re-enable certain permissions or change privacy settings. Manually check for updates when needed.
• Enable parental controls. If children are using the app, use the parental controls available on the device to restrict in-app purchases, limit screen time, and control access to certain app features.
• Set age gates. Make sure the app’s age gate is set correctly so it applies appropriate privacy measures based on the user’s age.
• Turn off in-app purchases. Turn off or restrict in-app purchases to prevent accidental spending and reduce the need for data related to payment methods.
• Use a separate payment method. If in-app purchases are necessary, consider using a separate payment method with limited funds, such as a prepaid card.
• Read the privacy policy. Take time to understand what data the app collects and how it is used by reviewing the privacy policy provided by Outfit7. This can help you make informed decisions about your app usage.