Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

Definition

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1998 aimed at protecting the privacy of children under 13 years old by requiring parental consent for the collection of personal information from these minors. COPPA establishes guidelines for websites and online services directed at children, ensuring that their data is handled responsibly and securely. The law plays a significant role in information privacy by holding organizations accountable for safeguarding children's digital information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA applies to websites and online services that are directed to children under 13 years of age or that have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information from children.
2. The law mandates that operators must provide a clear privacy policy detailing their information practices and the types of personal data collected.
3. Under COPPA, parents have the right to review the personal information collected from their children and can request its deletion at any time.
4. Failure to comply with COPPA can lead to significant penalties, including fines imposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
5. COPPA's influence has extended beyond the U.S., prompting international discussions on children's digital privacy and leading to similar regulations in other countries.

Review Questions

• How does COPPA ensure that children's online privacy is protected?
  • COPPA ensures children's online privacy by requiring operators of websites and online services to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13. This law mandates that companies inform parents about their information practices through a clear privacy policy and grant them the ability to review and delete their children's data. By placing these obligations on companies, COPPA aims to safeguard the sensitive information of young users and promote responsible data handling.
• Discuss the implications of COPPA on website operators targeting children under 13 years old.
  • COPPA has significant implications for website operators targeting children, as they must implement strict compliance measures to avoid legal penalties. This includes creating clear privacy policies, obtaining parental consent, and providing parents with access to their child's data. As a result, many companies have re-evaluated their data collection practices and may choose to limit their offerings to avoid the complexities of compliance. Additionally, operators must ensure their platforms are designed in a way that respects children's privacy while still providing engaging content.
• Evaluate how COPPA has shaped discussions on children's privacy in the digital age both in the U.S. and internationally.
  • COPPA has significantly influenced discussions around children's digital privacy by setting a precedent for protective measures tailored for young users. In the U.S., it highlighted the need for regulations that specifically address minors' vulnerabilities in online spaces. Internationally, COPPA has inspired similar legislative efforts in other countries aiming to enhance children's privacy protections. The ongoing discourse about children's rights in the digital world continues to evolve, focusing on striking a balance between innovation and safeguarding young users from potential risks associated with data collection and sharing.

Related terms

Personal Information: Any data that can be used to identify an individual, including names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.

Parental Consent: The requirement for parents or guardians to provide permission before a child’s personal information can be collected or processed by online services.

Data Protection: Measures and policies implemented to safeguard personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.