COPPA

Definition

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal law designed to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 by regulating the collection of their personal information online. It requires websites and online services directed at children to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from minors. This law is critical in the landscape of data privacy and security as it helps establish guidelines for protecting vulnerable users from exploitation and data misuse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA was enacted in 1998 and is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
2. Websites must provide a clear privacy policy explaining their data collection practices in language understandable to both parents and children.
3. Violations of COPPA can result in significant fines and legal repercussions for companies that fail to comply.
4. COPPA specifically addresses the collection of data from children under 13, but does not apply to teens aged 13-17.
5. The law has influenced how companies design their services and interact with young users, leading to increased emphasis on parental involvement in children's online activities.

Review Questions

• How does COPPA ensure that children’s online privacy is protected?
  • COPPA ensures children's online privacy by requiring websites and online services targeted at children under 13 to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information. This means parents must be informed about what data is being collected and how it will be used. By doing this, COPPA aims to prevent unauthorized data collection and protect children from potential risks associated with their personal information being misused.
• What are the consequences for companies that violate COPPA regulations?
  • Companies that violate COPPA regulations face significant penalties, including hefty fines imposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These fines can reach up to $43,280 per violation, which can add up quickly if multiple children’s data is mishandled. Additionally, companies may suffer reputational damage and loss of consumer trust, which can impact their business operations long-term.
• Evaluate the impact of COPPA on the digital landscape concerning children's safety and privacy rights.
  • COPPA has significantly impacted the digital landscape by establishing critical standards for how children's data is handled online. It encourages companies to prioritize the safety and privacy rights of young users by implementing transparent practices for data collection. As a result, many businesses have had to rethink their approaches to engaging with child audiences, leading to enhanced awareness around children's rights in the digital environment. This shift not only protects children but also promotes responsible data management practices across the industry.

Related terms

Parental Consent: A requirement under COPPA that mandates obtaining explicit permission from a child's parent or guardian before collecting any personal information from the child.

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

Data Security: The protective measures taken to guard against unauthorized access and misuse of data, particularly sensitive personal information collected online.