What is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)?
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law enacted in 1998 in the United States to protect the online privacy of children under the age of 13. COPPA imposes certain requirements on operators of websites and online services that collect personal information from children, aiming to ensure that children’s personal information is handled safely and securely.
Who does COPPA protect?
COPPA is designed to protect children under the age of 13 who use the internet. The law applies to operators of commercial websites and online services that are directed towards children or have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information from children. It is important to note that COPPA does not apply to non-commercial websites or online services that do not collect personal information from children.
How does COPPA regulate the collection of personal information from children?
COPPA requires operators of websites and online services to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under the age of 13. Personal information includes but is not limited to names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and geolocation data. Operators must also provide parents with the option to review and delete their child’s personal information.
What are the requirements for websites and online services under COPPA?
Websites and online services covered by COPPA must post a clear and comprehensive privacy policy that explains their information practices regarding children’s personal information. The privacy policy must include the types of information collected, how it is used, and the operator’s disclosure practices. Operators must also provide a mechanism for parents to give consent for the collection of their child’s personal information.
How does COPPA ensure parental consent for the collection of children’s information?
COPPA provides several methods for obtaining verifiable parental consent, including but not limited to email, fax, credit card, and phone verification. Operators must take reasonable steps to ensure that the person providing consent is the child’s parent or guardian. In some cases, operators may use a combination of methods to verify parental consent.
What are the penalties for violating COPPA regulations?
Operators who violate COPPA regulations may face civil penalties of up to $42,530 per violation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing COPPA and has the authority to investigate and take legal action against operators who fail to comply with the law. In addition to monetary penalties, operators may also be required to implement a compliance program to prevent future violations of COPPA.