{
  "id": 363397,
  "title": "DId you buy a cheap GPS tracker for your kid? Here’s why you should throw it out immediately.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/did-you-buy-a-cheap-gps-tracker-for-your-kid-heres-why-you-should",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-09T08:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/online-security/did-you-buy-a-cheap-gps-tracker-for-your-kid-heres-why-you-should-throw-it-out-immediately"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Purchasing a budget GPS tracker for your child might seem like a savvy financial decision. However, recent findings suggest that such devices may put your child's privacy at risk. Wired recently uncovered a tale revealing that security experts successfully infiltrated a platform utilized by numerous GPS kids' watches. This hack allowed the intruders to not only monitor the child's location but also take control of the camera on the watch, potentially exposing them to unauthorized changes like altering emergency contacts or surreptitiously listening in on the child. The researchers, who showcased their findings at the Black Hat cybersecurity conference, examined over 70 GPS watches and car accessories, discovering a considerable number of them relying on identical backend software and servers, identified as \"Gadget Dad.\" As a parent and a tech enthusiast, the author of this piece is well-versed in smart home devices and regularly tests them. In this article, the author will discuss tech, tools, and tips to make your home more enjoyable and functional. The Wired article states that tens of millions of GPS tracker gadgets are sourced from just three supply chains, all of which have significant security vulnerabilities. A simple Amazon search for \"GPS tracker for kids\" will yield numerous watches, dongles, and chips, all under $50, promising effortless tracking of your child. Some models even feature screens and video calling capabilities, appearing to be a remarkable deal compared to more expensive smartwatches. However, it's highly probable that these devices have a substantial number of positive reviews, due to their popularity. The brand names of these budget GPS trackers are often obscure, making it difficult to find reliable information about them. In addition to GPS trackers, the author warns that there are thousands of inexpensive security cameras, video doorbells, and baby monitors produced by unknown companies, which are equally susceptible to hacking. A study by Consumer Reports two years ago demonstrated that they could easily breach several video doorbells, all manufactured by different companies but sharing the same underlying technology. Earlier this year, The Verge reported on a company behind millions of baby monitors with security flaws, enabling hackers to view inside homes and view images stored on the company's servers. Even some of the most reputable security cameras have experienced security breaches, such as Wyze, which has faced multiple incidents. While it may be tempting to opt for budget devices, the author emphasizes that there are more important factors to consider, such as the security of your child's privacy. Devices like the $29 Apple AirTag, the $149 Fitbit Ace, and the $149 Garmin Bounce, while more expensive, are manufactured by companies with established reputations, providing better protection against potential hacking. The author concludes by emphasizing that saving a few dollars is not worth compromising the security of knowing that no stranger can spy on your child.",
  "summary": "Cheap GPS watches for kids and no-name security camera and video doorbell brands may seem like a bargain, but are a real threat to your privacy.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}