Children's Online Privacy Protection Act

Definition

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law enacted in 1998 to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 by regulating the collection of personal information online. It requires websites and online services directed at children to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children. This law emphasizes the importance of consent and safeguards children's rights in the digital landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA applies specifically to websites and online services that are directed to children under 13, including mobile apps and social media platforms.
2. The law mandates that operators provide a clear and comprehensive privacy policy explaining their data collection practices.
3. Websites must also implement reasonable security measures to protect children's personal information from unauthorized access.
4. Failure to comply with COPPA can result in substantial fines and legal consequences for website operators.
5. COPPA is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which has the authority to take action against companies that violate the law.

Review Questions

• How does COPPA define parental consent, and why is it significant for websites targeting children?
  • COPPA defines parental consent as the requirement for websites to obtain permission from a child's parent or guardian before collecting personal information from children under 13. This is significant because it ensures that parents are aware of what data is being collected about their children and have control over it. By enforcing this consent, COPPA aims to protect children's privacy in an online environment where they may not fully understand the implications of sharing personal information.
• Discuss the responsibilities of website operators under COPPA regarding the collection and protection of children's personal information.
  • Under COPPA, website operators have several key responsibilities when it comes to collecting and protecting children's personal information. They must obtain verifiable parental consent before any data collection occurs, provide a clear privacy policy detailing their practices, and ensure that they implement reasonable security measures to safeguard this information. Additionally, operators are required to limit the collection of data to what is necessary for their intended purpose and delete any personal information once it is no longer needed.
• Evaluate the impact of COPPA on online platforms and how it shapes their practices in relation to children's privacy rights.
  • The impact of COPPA on online platforms has been profound, as it has prompted many companies to reassess and enhance their data collection practices concerning children's privacy rights. By enforcing strict guidelines around parental consent and data protection, COPPA has encouraged platforms to create safer environments for young users. This has led to innovations in age verification technologies and more transparent privacy policies. Furthermore, COPPA has raised awareness among parents about their children's online activities, making them more vigilant about potential risks associated with sharing personal information online.

Related terms

Parental Consent: A requirement under COPPA that mandates websites to obtain 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, such as names, addresses, email addresses, and other details that can be linked to a child.

Privacy Policy: A statement or legal document that outlines how a website or service collects, uses, and protects personal information, which must be clear and accessible under COPPA.