Definition of Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998 is a United States federal law that aims to protect the privacy of children under 13 years old when using the internet. This legislation requires websites and online services targeting children to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing any personal information of users under 13. Additionally, COPPA mandates that these websites provide comprehensive privacy policies, giving parents control over their children’s data.
Phonetic
CH-IHL-dr-uh-nz AWN-lyn PRI-vuh-see PR-oh-TEHK-shohn AKT OV nineteen ninety-eight
Key Takeaways
- The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) aims to protect the personal information of children under 13 years old by regulating the collection, use, and disclosure of their data by online services and websites.
- COPPA requires that operators of websites and online services obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under 13, and mandates that they provide clear and comprehensive privacy policies detailing their data collection practices.
- Non-compliance with COPPA may result in significant fines and penalties imposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), with enforcement actions focused on websites and online services that specifically target children or have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information from children under 13.
Importance of Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) is an important piece of legislation that aims to protect the privacy and safety of children under 13 years old when they use the internet.
With the rise of technology and widespread accessibility to the internet, children have become increasingly vulnerable to data collection by various websites and online services.
COPPA sets specific guidelines for website operators, requiring them to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing a child’s personal information.
By providing a legal framework to regulate online data collection practices, COPPA plays a crucial role in safeguarding children’s online privacy, promoting transparency, and ensuring that parents have control over their child’s personal information.
Explanation
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) was designed with the primary objective of safeguarding the privacy and safety of children’s personal information while they are using the internet. This federal law in the United States applies to all websites, apps, games, and other digital platforms targeted toward children under the age of 13.
COPPA’s primary purpose is to establish a set of guidelines and rules that operators of these online services must follow to ensure that children are not exploited or their personal data misused without the knowledge or consent of their parents or guardians. To achieve this goal, COPPA requires that any website, app, or online service targeting children obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing any personal information from children under the age of 13.
It also mandates that these operators provide parents with a clear and detailed privacy policy outlining the types of information collected and how it will be used. Furthermore, COPPA gives the parents the right to review their child’s information, request its deletion, or revoke the permission to collect additional data.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing COPPA, and non-complying operators can be subjected to significant fines and penalties. Ultimately, COPPA serves as an invaluable legal framework that empowers parents to protect their children’s privacy and helps create a safer online environment for young internet users.
Examples of Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998 is a United States federal law aimed at protecting the privacy of children under 13 years old by regulating the collection of their personal information by operators of online services, such as websites and mobile apps. Here are three real-world examples of how COPPA has been implemented:
YouTube Settlement: In September 2019, YouTube and its parent company, Google, agreed to pay $170 million to settle allegations by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the New York Attorney General that they had violated COPPA by collecting personal information of minors without parental consent. As a result of the settlement, YouTube introduced new data collection policies, requiring content creators to classify their videos as “made for kids” if they target young audiences, and limiting targeted ads on children’s content.
TikTok Fine: In February 2019, the popular social media app TikTok (previously known as Musical.ly) was fined $
7 million by the FTC for violating COPPA. The app was found to have collected personal information of children under the age of 13, such as email addresses, usernames, and profile pictures, without obtaining proper parental consent. TikTok agreed to the fine and implemented changes in the platform to ensure age-appropriate content and experiences for younger users.
Website Compliance: Many websites that cater to children under 13, such as educational platforms and online games, have implemented COPPA-compliant features, including age gates and strict user registration processes, to ensure that they do not collect personal information from young users without parental consent. They also maintain a strict privacy policy that details the type of information collected and the measures taken to protect children’s privacy. Examples of such websites include PBS Kids, Nickelodeon, and Disney’s websites for children.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 FAQ
What is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998?
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a United States federal law that protects the privacy of children under 13 by regulating the collection of personal information from children by operators of commercial websites and online services targeting children.
Who must comply with COPPA regulations?
Website operators, app developers, and online services that are directed towards children under the age of 13 or knowingly collect personal information from children below 13 years are required to comply with COPPA regulations.
What types of personal information are protected by COPPA?
COPPA protects a wide range of children’s personal information, including full name, home or email address, telephone number, social security number, and other details that can be used to identify or contact minors. It also covers persistent identifiers like usernames, cookies, or IP addresses if used for tracking purposes.
How do I obtain verifiable parental consent under COPPA?
Operators must use a method that ensures the person giving consent is indeed the child’s parent or guardian. Common methods include requiring credit card information, speaking to a parent or guardian via phone or video call, and using age-verification software to confirm a child’s identity.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with COPPA?
Organizations found in violation of COPPA may be subject to penalties of up to $43,792 per violation. Factors that determine the severity of penalties include the nature of the violation, the number of children involved, and the extent to which the violation was intentional or negligent.
Related Technology Terms
- Parental Consent
- Personal Information
- Online Services
- Privacy Policy
- Age Verification
