Children's Online Privacy Protection Act

Definition

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law in the United States aimed at protecting the privacy of children under the age of 13 by regulating how companies collect, use, and disclose their personal information online. This law establishes requirements for obtaining parental consent before collecting data from children, which is crucial in an era where streaming services and digital content are prevalent. As more platforms engage in on-demand viewing, understanding COPPA ensures that children's data is safeguarded while interacting with these digital environments, especially in light of increasing advertising and commercialization efforts targeting young audiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA was enacted in 1998 to address the growing concerns regarding children's privacy in the digital age.
2. Under COPPA, websites and online services directed to children must provide clear privacy policies detailing their data collection practices.
3. Companies must implement reasonable security measures to protect children's personal information collected online.
4. Failure to comply with COPPA can result in substantial fines and legal actions from the FTC.
5. COPPA not only applies to websites aimed at children but also to general audience sites if they knowingly collect information from children under 13.

Review Questions

• How does COPPA impact streaming services that cater to children and their data collection practices?
  • COPPA significantly impacts streaming services catering to children by mandating that these platforms obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information from users under 13. This means that services must implement systems to ensure parents are aware of what data is being collected and how it will be used. As a result, streaming services have to adopt transparent policies and practices to comply with COPPA, ensuring that children’s privacy is protected while still providing engaging content.
• Discuss the role of the FTC in enforcing COPPA and its implications for companies that target child audiences through advertising.
  • The FTC plays a crucial role in enforcing COPPA by monitoring compliance among companies that collect data from children. If a company is found violating COPPA regulations, it can face significant penalties and legal actions. This enforcement ensures that companies targeting child audiences through advertising are held accountable for their practices, promoting a safer online environment for children. This has led many companies to re-evaluate their advertising strategies to ensure they align with COPPA guidelines.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of COPPA in adapting to changes in technology and online behavior among children since its enactment.
  • The effectiveness of COPPA in adapting to changes in technology is a mixed issue. While it established foundational protections for children's privacy online, the rapid evolution of digital technology poses ongoing challenges for enforcement and compliance. With the rise of mobile apps, social media, and interactive content targeted at younger audiences, there are concerns that some companies may exploit loopholes or fail to adequately inform parents about data collection practices. As technology evolves, continuous assessment and potential updates to COPPA may be necessary to ensure it remains relevant and effective in protecting children's online privacy.

Related terms

Parental Consent:

A requirement under COPPA that mandates obtaining verifiable permission from a child's parent or guardian before collecting personal information from children under 13.

Personal Information: Any information that can be used to identify an individual, including names, addresses, email addresses, and other data collected by online services.

FTC: The Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. agency responsible for enforcing COPPA and protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices.