The U.S. FTC Strengthens Regulation For Child-Directed Sites And Servcies

Amendments To The Coppa Rule Released On December 19 – Effective July 1, 2013

Amendments to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (the COPPA Rule), issued by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on December 19th 2012, will tighten the privacy requirements for child-directed websites and mobile apps. The COPPA rule requires operators of websites and online services to obtain a parent's verifiable consent before collecting personal information from children under 13 and to give parents detailed notice regarding the collected personal information and its uses. The revised Rule modifies the definitions of personal information, operator, and website or online service directed to children. The amendment also revises several other COPPA Rule provisions, such as the methods for obtaining parental consent, and the confidentiality and security requirements.