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 when they are online. This act imposes certain requirements on websites and online services directed toward children, including obtaining verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children. The law is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, emphasizing the importance of protecting young users in an increasingly digital world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA applies to operators of websites or online services that are directed towards children or have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information from children under 13.
2. The act mandates that operators provide clear and comprehensive privacy policies detailing their information practices regarding children's data.
3. Parents have the right to review their children's personal information collected by websites and can request its deletion if desired.
4. Enforcement of COPPA falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission, which can impose penalties for violations, including fines.
5. COPPA has led to increased awareness among parents and guardians about the importance of online safety for children, fostering more cautious approaches to internet use.

Review Questions

• How does the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) empower parents in managing their children's online activities?
  • COPPA empowers parents by requiring that websites obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information from children under 13. This means that parents must be informed about what data is being collected and how it will be used. Additionally, parents have the right to access their children's data and request its deletion, giving them significant control over their child's online privacy.
• Discuss the role of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act and the implications for businesses.
  • The Federal Trade Commission plays a crucial role in enforcing COPPA by monitoring compliance among businesses that operate websites or services targeted at children. The FTC investigates complaints and has the authority to impose fines on companies that violate COPPA regulations. This enforcement ensures that businesses take children's privacy seriously and adopt appropriate measures to protect young users’ personal information.
• Evaluate the impact of COPPA on children's online experiences and how it has shaped industry standards related to privacy protection.
  • COPPA has significantly impacted children's online experiences by establishing a framework that prioritizes their privacy. By requiring parental consent for data collection, it has shaped industry standards by encouraging companies to adopt more responsible data practices and transparency regarding their information handling. This law has also prompted many businesses to create child-friendly environments, where safeguards are put in place to enhance online safety, leading to a more secure digital space for children.

Related terms

Federal Trade Commission:

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a government agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace.

Verifiable Parental Consent: This refers to the requirement under COPPA for websites to obtain explicit consent from a child's parent or guardian before collecting personal information from minors.

Online Safety: Online safety encompasses practices and guidelines aimed at protecting users, particularly children, from potential dangers on the internet, including privacy violations and cyberbullying.