SARASOTA, Fla. -- After a sting where deputies arrested 25 online predator suspects last week, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has updated a list of apps used to target children.
The list, which initially contained nine apps, has now grown to include 15 apps.
Deputies recommend parents speak to their children about the dangers of being online and meeting with strangers.
The apps are:
MeetMe – Dating app used to connect people based on geographic proximity
Grindr – Dating app geared toward gay, bi, and transgender users, with options to meet with other users nearby
Skout – Location-based dating app
WhatsApp – Popular messaging app
TikTok – App for creating and sharing short videos, has limited privacy controls
Badoo – Dating app based on location
Bumble – Dating app similar to Tinder, but requires women to make first contact
Snapchat – Popular app to share images and video that disappear after 24 hours
Kik – Direct message app
LiveMe – Live streaming video app that uses geolocation
Holla – Video chat app
Whisper – Anonymous social network app that promotes sharing secrets
Ask.FM – Users can ask anonymous questions; known for cyber bullying
Calculator% -- One of several secret apps used to hide photos, videos, and browser history
HotOrNot – Encourages users to rate your profile, chat with strangers
