COPPA

Definition

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law enacted in 1998 that aims to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 by regulating how their personal information is collected online. This law requires websites and online services to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal data from children, ensuring that parents have control over their children's information and privacy rights in the digital landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA applies to operators of commercial websites and online services directed toward children under 13 years old or those that have actual knowledge they are collecting personal data from children.
2. Websites must provide a clear and comprehensive privacy policy detailing their data collection practices and how they protect children's information.
3. In the event of non-compliance with COPPA, the FTC has the authority to impose civil penalties on violators, which can be significant.
4. COPPA not only regulates personal data collection but also requires operators to implement reasonable security measures to protect the information collected from children.
5. The law has evolved over time, with the FTC issuing updates to expand protections and adapt to new technologies and online environments.

Review Questions

• How does COPPA impact online services directed at children, particularly in terms of data collection practices?
  • COPPA significantly impacts online services directed at children by requiring them to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from users under 13. This means that any app or website that targets kids must implement strict processes for confirming parental approval. Additionally, these services are obligated to provide clear privacy policies explaining how they collect, use, and store children's data, thereby ensuring transparency in their operations.
• What are the consequences for companies that fail to comply with COPPA regulations, and how do these consequences serve to enforce the law?
  • Companies that fail to comply with COPPA regulations face serious consequences, including civil penalties imposed by the FTC, which can be substantial. This enforcement mechanism serves as a strong deterrent against non-compliance, as companies risk significant financial losses and reputational damage. The potential for legal action encourages businesses to prioritize children's privacy and adhere strictly to COPPA guidelines in their operations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of COPPA in protecting children's online privacy in today's digital environment compared to when it was enacted.
  • The effectiveness of COPPA in protecting children's online privacy has been both praised and criticized since its enactment. While it has made strides in requiring parental consent and transparency about data collection practices, the rapid evolution of technology presents new challenges. Many argue that COPPA needs to be updated more frequently to address issues related to mobile apps, social media, and evolving digital landscapes where children engage more independently. As such, evaluating its effectiveness involves assessing how well it adapts to emerging technologies while maintaining robust protections for children's privacy.

Related terms

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

Verifiable Parental Consent: A requirement under COPPA that mandates online services to obtain explicit permission from a child's parent or guardian before collecting or processing the child's personal information.

FTC: The Federal Trade Commission, which is responsible for enforcing COPPA and overseeing compliance among websites and online services that target children.