Children's Online Privacy Protection Act

Definition

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1998 that aims to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 when they are online. The law requires websites and online services directed toward children to obtain parental consent before collecting personal information, ensuring that children's data is handled responsibly and with transparency. This act addresses significant privacy concerns by placing restrictions on how children's information can be gathered, used, and disclosed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA applies to operators of websites and online services aimed at children, requiring them to create a clear privacy policy detailing their data practices.
2. The law was designed to empower parents by giving them control over what information is collected about their children online.
3. Violating COPPA can result in significant fines and legal consequences for companies that fail to comply with its provisions.
4. COPPA does not apply to all websites; it specifically targets those directed at children or knowingly collecting information from them.
5. The law has been revised periodically to keep up with changes in technology and online behavior, including updates related to mobile apps and social media.

Review Questions

• How does COPPA empower parents regarding their children's online data?
  • COPPA empowers parents by requiring that online services and websites obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13. This means parents have the authority to decide what data can be collected and how it can be used. The law also mandates clear communication through privacy policies, helping parents understand what types of information are being gathered.
• Discuss the implications for companies that fail to comply with COPPA's regulations on children's data privacy.
  • Companies that fail to comply with COPPA face serious implications, including hefty fines imposed by the Federal Trade Commission. These penalties can range up to $43,280 per violation, which can significantly impact a company's financial health. Additionally, non-compliance can damage a company's reputation and erode trust with parents and consumers who expect responsible handling of children's information.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of COPPA in today's digital landscape where children are increasingly engaged with technology.
  • While COPPA has established important protections for children's privacy online, its effectiveness is challenged by the evolving digital landscape. Many apps and platforms may circumvent these regulations or fail to adequately verify parental consent. Moreover, with children using devices at younger ages and accessing content not specifically targeted at them, there are concerns about how well COPPA can adapt to ensure comprehensive protection in an age where technology is pervasive. Therefore, ongoing updates and enhancements to the law are essential for it to remain effective.

Related terms

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

Personal Information: Any data that can identify a child, such as name, email address, phone number, or location, which is protected under COPPA guidelines.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The U.S. agency responsible for enforcing COPPA and ensuring compliance by monitoring websites and online services that collect information from children.