Children's Online Privacy Protection Act

Definition

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law enacted in 1998 aimed at protecting the privacy of children under the age of 13 when they are online. It requires websites and online services directed to children to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children. This law emphasizes the importance of safeguarding minors' privacy rights in an increasingly digital world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA applies specifically to websites and online services that are directed towards children under 13 years of age.
2. Operators of websites covered by COPPA must provide a clear and comprehensive privacy policy detailing their practices regarding children's information.
3. The law includes provisions for parents to review and delete their child's personal information collected by online services.
4. Non-compliance with COPPA can result in significant fines and penalties imposed by the Federal Trade Commission.
5. COPPA was one of the first laws in the U.S. focused on regulating children's online privacy, setting a precedent for further legislation in this area.

Review Questions

• How does COPPA impact the operations of websites targeting children under 13?
  • COPPA significantly affects how websites targeting children must operate by requiring them to implement strict policies regarding data collection. Websites must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information from children. This means that operators have to ensure their processes for obtaining consent are clear and effective, impacting their marketing strategies and user engagement.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of COPPA in protecting children's online privacy since its enactment. What challenges does it face today?
  • Since its enactment, COPPA has been effective in raising awareness about children's online privacy and establishing standards for protecting it. However, challenges remain, such as the rapid evolution of technology and online platforms that may circumvent traditional definitions of what constitutes a website directed at children. Additionally, enforcement can be difficult, especially with global websites that do not comply with U.S. regulations, making it a complex issue in today's digital landscape.
• Propose improvements to COPPA that could enhance its effectiveness in today's digital environment where technology is rapidly changing.
  • To enhance COPPA's effectiveness, proposed improvements could include expanding the age limit to cover minors up to 17 years old and adapting definitions to account for emerging technologies like mobile apps and social media platforms. Implementing more robust enforcement mechanisms and increasing penalties for non-compliance could also deter violations. Furthermore, increasing public awareness campaigns about children's online safety would empower parents to better protect their children's privacy online.

Related terms

Parental Consent: A requirement under COPPA that mandates obtaining explicit permission from a child's parent or guardian before collecting personal information from the child.

Personal Information: Any data that can be used to identify an individual, including names, addresses, email addresses, and other identifiable information that is particularly sensitive when concerning children.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The U.S. government agency responsible for enforcing COPPA and protecting consumers' rights, including those of children online.