Amidst the rising focus on privacy issues affecting children and teens (which we’ve highlighted here, here, here, and here), the FTC just released a new Policy Statement on COPPA, its signature rule protecting the privacy of kids under 13. The Policy Statement, which the FTC unveiled at its May 19
FTC Issues Enforcement Policy on Collection and Use of Voice Recordings of Children Under COPPA
On Monday, the FTC issued an Enforcement Policy Statement stating that the Commission will not take action against operators that collect an audio file of a child’s voice as a replacement for written words, such as for translation into text, without first obtaining parental consent, provided the file is retained only for the brief time
Privacy Certification Program Settles COPPA Violations with NYAG
Last week, True Ultimate Standards Everywhere, Inc. (“TRUSTe”) agreed to pay the New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) a $100,000 penalty, and beef up privacy measures, to settle alleged violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, 15 U.S.C. §§ 6501-6506 (“COPPA”). The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) is authorized to issue rules under COPPA,
App Developers Settle COPPA Violations Relating to Third-Party Ad Network Practices
This week, the FTC announced settlements with two mobile app developers – LAI Systems, LLC and Retro Dreamer (including two of its principals) – concerning allegations that their apps collected childrens’ personal information without obtaining parental consent in violation of COPPA. These cases are the first in which the FTC has held a company liable
Privacy Groups Ask FTC to Investigate Contest Sponsor for Alleged COPPA Violations
Last week, ten privacy groups requested that the FTC open an investigation into a Topps Co. online contest, which they allege violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Specifically, the groups claim that Topps’s #RockThatRock contest collected photos of children under age 13 without obtaining their parents’ consent.
Last spring, Topps invited its Facebook,
FTC Updates COPPA FAQs on Parental Consent Mechanisms
This week, the Federal Trade Commission announced the latest revisions to its Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”) document to assist online operators as they work to comply with changes to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection (“COPPA”) Rule that went into effect on July 1, 2013. The updated FAQs provide the following expanded guidance on verifiable parental
FTC Approves kidSAFE as Safe Harbor Program Under COPPA
Last week, the Federal Trade Commission approved the kidSAFE Seal Program as a safe harbor program under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and FTC’s COPPA Rule. The FTC’s revised COPPA Rule (effective July 2013) restricts the ways that child-directed sites and their third-party affiliates can collect and use personal information from children under the age of 13. The Rule contains a “safe harbor” provision enabling industry groups or others to submit self-regulatory program guidelines to the FTC for approval. Companies that meet the requirements of a safe harbor program will be deemed to be in compliance with the COPPA Rule for purposes of enforcement. To date, the FTC has approved six COPPA safe harbor programs.
In order to meet the requirements of the kidSAFE Seal Program, a child-directed site or service must demonstrate compliance with the basic safety guidelines (the “kidSAFE certification”) and additional privacy guidelines (the “kidSAFE+ certification”). The program’s basic safety rules require: (1) chat and other interactive community features to be designed with safety protections and controls; (2) posting of rules and educational information about online safety; (3) procedures for handling safety issues and complaints to be in place; (4) parents to have basic safety controls over their child’s activities; and (5) content, advertising, and marketing to be age-appropriate.
Continue Reading FTC Approves kidSAFE as Safe Harbor Program Under COPPA
Insights from Kelley Drye’s 4th Annual Privacy Seminar
On February 16, 2012, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP hosted the seminar and audiocast, “Privacy in 2012: What to Watch Regarding COPPA, Mobile Apps, and Evolving Law Enforcement and Public Policy Trends.” The seminar highlighted regulatory and legislative developments in privacy and information security during the past year, with an emphasis on children’s online privacy
Join us Feb. 16 for “Privacy in 2012” Seminar and Teleconference
Changes to privacy regulations, such as proposed revisions to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and continuously evolving technologies, including mobile apps with location-based services, can make it difficult for businesses to ensure their privacy practices are up to par.
On February 16, Kelley Drye will gather government leaders from the FTC and FCC
FTC Proposes Changes to Children’s Privacy Rule
Late this week, the FTC issued its proposed amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule ("COPPA Rule"). The proposed revisions are intended to maintain privacy protections for children who increasingly participate in social networking and interactive gaming, or engage in online activities through a mobile device. The FTC seeks written comments to the proposed