FTC to Host Public Roundtable on Children’s Online Privacy
Protection Rule
In light of rapidly changing technology such as the increased use of
smartphones and other devices to access websites and online services, as
well as new methods for collecting and using information online, the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will host a public roundtable on
Wednesday, June 2nd, to explore whether updates to the Children’s
Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) Rule are
needed.
The COPPA Rule was enacted in April 2000 and requires Web site
operators to obtain parental consent before collecting, using, or
disclosing personal information from children under 13. It also requires
that the operators keep the information they collect from children
secure, and prohibits them from requiring children to turn over any more
personal information than is reasonably necessary to participate in
activities on their Web sites.
Tomorrow’s roundtable, entitled “Protecting Kids’ Privacy Online: Reviewing the
COPPA Rule”, will be held from 8:45 am to 5:30 pm at the FTC
Conference Center in Washington, DC.
Discussion topics will include:
- Whether the Rule should be applied to emerging media such as mobile
devices, interactive television, and interactive gaming;
- Potential expansion of the Rule to cover more items of personal
information that might be collected from children; and,
- A review of the parental verification methods (best practices and
technologies) used by Web site operators.
Those who wish to participate but cannot attend in person can view a
live webcast at www.ftc.gov.
In addition, a 90-day public comment period on whether changes
to technology warrant changes to COPPA ends on June 30,
2010. [more information]
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) will be represented at the June 2nd
workshop; the Association also plans to submit comments in response to
the Federal Register notice.
TIA members will be kept apprised as additional information becomes
available.
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