Scott Wingo Business: FTC introduces changes to Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, parental permission now required to collect information

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (or COPPA) was first introduced back in 1998, but you don't have to look very far to realize the internet has changed quite a bit since then. Today, the FTC is attempting to address some of those changes by introducing the first major revision to the act. Among the biggest changes is that operators of websites or online services will now have to seek permission directly from parents in order to collect information from anyone under the age of 13 when they have "actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information through a child-directed website or online service."

In another change related to that, the FTC has also clarified that "personal information" now includes geolocation data in addition to photos and videos, and it says it has closed a loophole that allowed apps and websites to collection information through plug-ins. The agency will not, however, hold companies like Apple and Google liable for apps from other companies which attempt to collection information from children, and it will permit "contextual advertising" to children without the need for parental consent. You can find the FTC's full announcement of the changes after the break.

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Filed under: Internet