Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

Definition

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1998 designed to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 when they use the internet. COPPA requires that websites and online services directed towards children obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from minors. This law aims to ensure that children's data is handled responsibly in the context of digital advertising and targeted marketing, promoting safer online environments for young users.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COPPA applies to operators of websites and online services that are directed towards children under 13 or have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information from children.
2. The law mandates clear privacy policies that explain what data is collected, how it will be used, and how parents can control their children's information.
3. Websites that do not comply with COPPA face potential fines and legal repercussions, as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces the law.
4. COPPA has influenced the way digital advertising companies approach targeted marketing to children, pushing for more transparency and ethical practices.
5. In addition to requiring parental consent, COPPA gives parents the right to review and delete their children's personal information collected by websites.

Review Questions

• How does COPPA impact the way websites collect data from children, and why is this important for online advertising?
  • COPPA significantly impacts how websites collect data from children by requiring them to obtain parental consent before gathering any personal information. This regulation is crucial for online advertising because it ensures that companies cannot target children without transparency and accountability. By enforcing these rules, COPPA aims to protect young users from potential exploitation and ensure a safer online environment for them.
• What are some of the key responsibilities placed on website operators by COPPA regarding children's personal information?
  • COPPA places several key responsibilities on website operators, including the requirement to create clear and accessible privacy policies that detail what personal information is collected, how it is used, and the measures in place for protecting that data. Operators must also implement processes for obtaining verifiable parental consent before collecting data from children. Additionally, they must provide parents with access to their children's data and allow them to request its deletion.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of COPPA in regulating children's online privacy in the context of evolving digital marketing practices.
  • COPPA has been effective in establishing a framework for protecting children's online privacy by mandating parental consent and transparency in data collection practices. However, as digital marketing evolves with new technologies such as social media and mobile apps, some argue that COPPA may need updates to address these emerging challenges. Evaluating its effectiveness involves examining how well it adapts to changes in technology while still ensuring that children's rights are prioritized in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Related terms

Parental Consent: The requirement under COPPA that websites must obtain explicit permission from parents or guardians before collecting personal information from children.

Personal Information: Any data that can be used to identify an individual, including names, email addresses, and location, which is protected under COPPA when it involves children.

Digital Advertising: The practice of promoting products or services through online platforms, which must comply with COPPA regulations when targeting children.