COPPA

Definition

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1998 to protect the privacy of children under 13 years old online. COPPA requires websites and online services directed towards children to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children, emphasizing the importance of data protection and privacy in the digital age. This law addresses concerns about the potential exploitation of children's data and sets forth guidelines for what information can be collected and how it must be handled.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA applies to operators of websites or online services that are aimed at children under the age of 13, requiring them to implement specific privacy protections.
2. Under COPPA, companies must provide clear privacy policies that explain their data collection practices in language understandable to both parents and children.
3. The law mandates that operators must take reasonable steps to ensure the confidentiality, security, and integrity of personal information collected from children.
4. Failure to comply with COPPA can result in significant fines imposed by the FTC, which underscores the importance of adherence to the law.
5. COPPA has been instrumental in raising awareness about children's privacy rights and has influenced many online services to adopt child-friendly data practices.

Review Questions

• How does COPPA impact the way websites and online services operate when targeting children under 13?
  • COPPA significantly influences how websites and online services that target children must operate by requiring them to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information. This means that companies must develop clear privacy policies and implement mechanisms for parents to approve data collection. Additionally, these services must ensure that they safeguard the collected data and comply with regulations designed to protect children's privacy.
• Discuss the role of the FTC in enforcing COPPA and ensuring compliance among online platforms targeting children.
  • The FTC plays a crucial role in enforcing COPPA by monitoring compliance among online platforms that target children. They investigate complaints and take action against companies that violate the law, which can include imposing fines or requiring changes in practices. The FTC also provides guidance on best practices for data protection, helping businesses understand their obligations under COPPA and promoting a safer online environment for children.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of COPPA in protecting children's online privacy since its enactment, considering current digital trends and challenges.
  • Since its enactment, COPPA has been effective in establishing a framework for protecting children's online privacy by mandating parental consent and clear communication of data practices. However, as digital trends evolve, such as the rise of social media and mobile applications, challenges remain regarding enforcement and adaptation of the law. Critics argue that while COPPA sets important standards, continuous updates may be necessary to address new technologies and potential loopholes that could compromise children's privacy rights in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Related terms

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

Parental Consent: A requirement under COPPA where parents or guardians must give permission before a website or service can collect personal information from children.

FTC: The Federal Trade Commission, which is responsible for enforcing COPPA and ensuring compliance with the law regarding children's online privacy.