Children's Online Privacy Protection Act

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 websites and online services collect, use, and disclose personal information from minors. This law requires operators of such services to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal data from children, ensuring that parents are aware of and can control the information being shared.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA applies to commercial websites and online services directed toward children under 13 years old or those that have actual knowledge they are collecting information from children.
2. Under COPPA, websites must provide clear privacy policies detailing their information practices regarding children’s data.
3. The law allows parents to review their child’s personal information and request its deletion at any time.
4. Violations of COPPA can result in significant penalties, including fines imposed by the Federal Trade Commission.
5. COPPA has led to increased awareness among businesses about the importance of protecting children's online privacy and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Review Questions

• How does COPPA influence the way businesses collect personal information from children under 13?
  • COPPA significantly influences business practices by requiring operators of websites and online services aimed at children to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information. This means businesses must have clear mechanisms in place for parents to give consent, often including methods such as email verification or phone calls. The law pushes companies to create privacy policies that are understandable to both parents and children, fostering transparency in data collection practices.
• Discuss the implications of COPPA for educational platforms that cater to children, particularly in terms of data privacy and parental control.
  • COPPA has major implications for educational platforms that serve children under 13, as these platforms must comply with the law's requirements regarding data privacy. By requiring verifiable parental consent, educational services ensure that parents are actively involved in decisions about their child's information. This leads to heightened accountability for these platforms in how they handle sensitive data, promoting safe online environments for learning while respecting parental authority over children's privacy.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of COPPA in addressing children's online privacy concerns in today's digital landscape, considering advances in technology and changes in online behavior.
  • The effectiveness of COPPA in addressing children's online privacy concerns has been challenged by rapid technological advancements and evolving online behaviors. While COPPA established essential protections when it was enacted, the emergence of new platforms, social media, and mobile apps presents difficulties in enforcement and compliance. As children engage with technology at increasingly younger ages and often bypass age restrictions, there is ongoing debate about whether COPPA needs updating to better reflect modern realities and effectively safeguard children's privacy in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Related terms

Personal Information: Data that can be used to identify an individual, including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and other identifying details.

Verifiable Parental Consent: A requirement under COPPA that mandates operators to obtain explicit permission from a parent or guardian before collecting personal information from children.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

The U.S. agency responsible for enforcing COPPA and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations related to children's online activities.