14 DAY TRIAL // On Monday, the US Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) revised Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) went into effect. According to the agency, the revised rule addresses changes in the way youths use and access the Web.
“At the FTC, protecting children’s privacy is a top priority,” commented FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez. “The updated COPPA rule helps put parents in charge of their children’s personal information as it keeps pace with changing technologies.”
COPPA dictates that all online services and websites directed to children under 13, or ones that know they’re collecting personal information from youths under 13, are obligated to notify parents and get their consent before collecting, using, or disclosing the data.
The new COPPA gives parents enhanced control over the online collection of their children’s personal data. From now on, information such as online tracking cookies, photos, videos, audio recordings, and even geolocation information are considered personal data.
Besides the revised COPPA, the FTC has also released a document that helps small businesses in determining if they’re covered by the rule, and what they must do to be compliant. In addition, a video that explains the obligations of companies under the revised rules has also been released.
The guide for parents, “Protecting Your Child’s Privacy Online,” has been updated.
The FTC also continues its five “safe harbor” programs that allow certain organizations to create self-compliance programs for their members. Currently, safe harbor programs are being offered by Privo, TRUSTe, ESRB Privacy Online, the Children’s Advertising Review Unit of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, and Aristotle International.
Industry members that might need clarifications regarding COPPA can check out the updated FAQs, or turn to the COPPA Hotline maintained by the FTC. Questions to the COPPA Hotline can be sent to [email protected].