What is COPPA and how does it protect kids?

COPPA stands for the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, which is a law that protects the online privacy of kids under the age of 13. This law was enacted in 1998 by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address concerns about how websites and online services collect, use, and disclose personal information from kids.

What does COPPA do?

COPPA requires websites to obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from kids under 13. This includes information such as name, address, email address, phone number, photograph or other identifying files, and social security number. 

The law also requires these websites and services to post a clear privacy policy and allow parents to review and delete their child's information.

Why does COPPA matter?

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According to the FTC, kids are more susceptible to identity theft and other dangers when their personal information is shared online without parental consent. COPPA aims to protect kids from these risks and give parents control over their online privacy.

How does COPPA protect kids?

COPPA also requires websites and services to place restrictions on targeted advertising to kids under 13. This means that these websites and services cannot collect personal information for the purpose of targeted advertising without parental consent.

Overall, COPPA is an important law for protecting the privacy and safety of kids online. It holds companies accountable for how they handle kids’ personal information and gives parents more control over their online activities. So, whether you're a parent or interested in more information about online privacy, it's important to understand what COPPA is and how it affects kids online.

FAQs

Q: Who does COPPA apply to?

A: COPPA applies to websites and online services directed to children that collect personal information from kids under the age of 13. This includes social media platforms, online games, and any other website or service that directly targets kids.

Q: Are there any exceptions to COPPA?

A: Yes, there are certain exceptions to COPPA that allow for the collection of personal information from kids without parental consent. These might include nonprofits, educational or child-directed sites that do not collect any personal information, and websites with a "verifiable parental consent" process.

Q: How does COPPA define "personal information"?

A: Personal information under COPPA includes a child's name, address, email address, phone number, social security number, and any other identifier that could be used to contact or identify the child, including photographs or other files that include a child’s image or voice. 

Q: How do parents provide consent for the collection of their child's personal information?

A: Parents can provide consent through various methods outlined by COPPA, such as filling out a consent form and returning it to the website; providing a credit card, debit card, or other online payment system that provides notification of each separate transaction to the account holder; or by calling a toll-free telephone number staffed by trained personnel.

Q: What penalties can be imposed for violating COPPA regulations?

A: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can issue civil penalties for COPPA violations up to $51,744 per violation as of 2023, which can add up quickly depending on the number of violations. Federal fines can go into the hundreds of millions. 

Q: Can websites that are not directly targeted at kids still be subject to COPPA?

A: Yes, if a website or online service collects personal information from kids under 13, or if the operator has actual knowledge that it is collecting personal information from users who are kids, it must comply with COPPA regardless of its target audience.

Q: How are changes to COPPA regulations communicated to websites and online services?

A: The FTC informs the public and affected entities about changes to COPPA regulations through press releases, its website, and various guidance materials. Websites and online services are responsible for ensuring they comply with the latest regulations.

Q: What steps can companies take to ensure compliance with COPPA?

A: Companies can ensure compliance with COPPA by regularly reviewing their data collection practices, making sure they have verified parental consent before collecting personal information from kids, maintaining the confidentiality, security, and integrity of such information, and regularly auditing their website or service to ensure ongoing compliance with COPPA regulations. Companies may also seek legal counsel to understand their obligations under COPPA better.

Q: How does COPPA protect kids from targeted advertising?

A: COPPA requires websites and services to obtain parental consent before collecting personal information for the purpose of targeted advertising. This helps prevent companies from gathering data on kids and using it to market specific products or services to them. 

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