SurveillanceIs “Vault app” something to worry about? More Surveillance terms
Vault app
Risk flagAn app disguised as a calculator, notes app, or other harmless utility that hides photos, videos, messages — or even a second social-media account — behind a secret passcode. Invisible to content filters because the content is local and the disguise is the whole point.
How kids use it
Spot them by storage size (a 'calculator' using 2 GB isn't a calculator) and permissions (a calculator with camera or contacts access isn't a calculator).
"Vault app" is about avoiding adult eyes. That’s developmentally normal — every generation had a version of it — but it tells you where your current setup has gaps.
- Don’t make it a gotcha. The goal is a setup that works even when they route around one tool.
- Do the 10-minute audit for hidden and disguised apps vault-app audit →