The Revised COPPA Rule And "Personal Information" – One Example That Balances Anonymity And Interactivity

The revised Children's Online Privacy Protection Act ("COPPA") Rules, as discussed here previously  were meant to bring regulations in line with, in the FTC's words, the "rapid-fire pace of technological changes to the online environment" that  have taken place since COPPA was passed in 2000.  This week's Boston Globe article  about the new public television production, WGBH's "Plum Landing," provides an interesting illustration of the impact of the revised COPPA Rule.

Plum Landing is not a television show, but rather a series of videos, online games and activities spanning a variety of platforms (e.g., computers, tablets, and smartphones), with an emphasis on user-produced content and interactivity.  As the content is aimed at children ages 7-9, potential COPPA issues abound.