Get Ready For New Children's Online Privacy Protection Act Rules

In December, the FTC released its long-awaited update to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). COPPA, originally written in 1998, covers information collected online from Children under the age of 13. The statute applies to digital applications and websites that are directed toward children or that knowingly collect personal information from children. The update contains important changes for advertisers, agencies, and other business operators. The changes go into effect on July 1, 2013. Here's a rundown of what you need to know.

Definitions. The definition of personal information previously included email address, physical address, and phone number. The FTC expanded this definition in the update to include photos, videos, images, voice, and geolocation information.