COPPA

Definition

COPPA, or the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, is a U.S. federal law designed to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 by regulating how websites and online services collect, use, and disclose personal information from children. The act requires that operators of websites and online services obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal data from children, ensuring that parents have control over their children's online presence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA was enacted in 1998 and is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), aimed specifically at protecting children's privacy online.
2. The law mandates that operators must provide clear and comprehensive privacy policies detailing their data collection practices targeted towards children.
3. Websites and online services must allow parents to review and delete their child's personal information if they choose.
4. Sites that fail to comply with COPPA can face significant fines and penalties, highlighting the importance of adherence to this regulation.
5. COPPA also applies to mobile apps and social media platforms that cater to children, ensuring broad protection across various digital environments.

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 any personal information from children under 13. This means parents must be informed about what data is being collected and how it will be used. Additionally, COPPA mandates that operators provide clear privacy policies and allow parents the right to review and delete their child's information, reinforcing parental control over their children's digital interactions.
• Discuss the implications of COPPA on online businesses targeting children.
  • COPPA has significant implications for online businesses targeting children, as it imposes strict regulations on how they can collect and manage personal information. Companies must invest in processes to verify parental consent, which can lead to increased operational costs. Additionally, businesses must ensure that their privacy policies are compliant with COPPA guidelines, which may limit their ability to collect data for marketing or other purposes. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines from the FTC, making adherence crucial for any company operating in this space.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of COPPA in today's digital landscape where technology evolves rapidly and children's online behavior changes.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of COPPA in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape reveals both strengths and challenges. While COPPA provides a foundational framework for protecting children's privacy, the act has faced criticism for being outdated due to advancements in technology such as social media, gaming, and mobile apps that engage children differently than when the law was enacted. As children's behaviors shift towards more interactive platforms, there is a growing debate about whether COPPA needs revisions to adapt to modern risks and technological realities. The need for continuous updates to legislation will be essential in maintaining effective protections for children's online privacy.

Related terms

Parental Consent: The requirement for operators to obtain permission from a child's parent or guardian before collecting personal information from a child under 13.

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

FTC: The Federal Trade Commission, which is responsible for enforcing COPPA and ensuring compliance with its regulations.