( Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act – Article ) ( Articles ) ( Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act )
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act is a significant federal law in the United States that was enacted in 1998 and came into effect in 2000. Its primary purpose is to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 when they are online. This article explores the key components of COPPA, its implications for websites and online services, and the rights it grants to parents.
Key Components of COPPA
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act imposes certain requirements on operators of websites and online services directed at children or that knowingly collect personal information from children.
The following are essential provisions of COPPA:
- Parental Consent:
- Websites must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children. This can include methods like email verification or requiring parents to provide a physical signature.
- Privacy Policy:
- Operators are required to maintain a clear and comprehensive privacy policy detailing their practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of children’s personal information.
- Data Collection Limits:
- Websites are restricted from collecting more personal information than is reasonably necessary for the intended purpose.
- Rights to Review and Delete:
- Parents have the right to review their child’s personal information and request its deletion.
- Security Measures:
- Operators must implement reasonable security measures to protect children’s personal information from unauthorized access and disclosure.
Implications for Websites and Online Services
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act applies to a wide range of online entities, including:
- Websites and Apps:
- Any website or application directed towards children, or that knowingly collects information from children, must comply with COPPA.
- Third-Party Services:
- Services that provide advertising or analytics on child-directed websites must also adhere to COPPA regulations.
Failure to comply with COPPA can lead to significant penalties, including monetary fines and legal action from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Parental Rights Under COPPA
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act empowers parents with several important rights concerning their children’s online privacy:
- Informed Consent:
- Parents must be informed about what information is being collected and how it will be used.
- Access to Information:
- Parents can request access to their child’s personal information collected by online services.
- Ability to Delete Information:
- Parents can request the deletion of their child’s personal information at any time.
- Opt-Out Options:
- Parents can opt out of the collection of their child’s information and prevent further data collection.
Conclusion
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act is a vital law designed to safeguard the online privacy of children under 13. By imposing strict requirements on websites and online services, COPPA ensures that children’s personal information is collected and used responsibly, while granting parents essential rights to oversee their children’s online activities. As technology continues to evolve, ongoing vigilance and compliance with COPPA remain critical in protecting young internet users.
Agency Resources:
- (FTC) (www.ftc.gov) – “Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA)“