The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking steps to update and strengthen the regulations surrounding online privacy for children. The proposed changes to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) aim to prevent companies from tracking children’s personal information and limit the use of push notifications targeted at children.
COPPA, established in 1998 and last updated a decade ago, requires websites and apps aimed at children to obtain parental consent before collecting personal information of children under the age of 13. The FTC’s proposed changes seek to modernize the law in response to the increasing role of digital tools in children’s lives and the sophisticated methods used to track and monetize their data.
FTC Chair Lina Khan emphasized the need for children to have a safe online environment where they can play and learn without being constantly tracked by companies seeking to profit from their personal information. The proposed changes would turn off targeted ads to children under 13 by default and limit the use of push notifications that prompt or encourage children to use online services.
Various children’s online safety advocates have applauded the FTC’s proposed changes. Katharina Kopp, Director of Policy at the nonprofit Center for Digital Democracy, stated that the commission’s plans would help prevent the exploitation of children’s information by limiting data uses and protecting them from targeted advertising fueled by artificial intelligence. Kopp emphasized the importance of a digital environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children.
Under the proposed changes, apps, games, and websites used by children would be required to obtain separate and verifiable parental consent before disclosing information about children under 13 to third-party advertisers. However, disclosure of information integral to the nature of the online service would be exempt from this requirement. Additionally, operators would be prohibited from denying access to games and apps solely based on parents’ refusal to allow the disclosure of their children’s information.
Furthermore, the proposed changes would prohibit the use of online contact information and persistent identifiers, such as cookies, to send push notifications to children encouraging them to use a particular service. This measure aims to limit the use of push notifications as a means of promoting increased usage of online platforms.
The FTC’s proposed changes to COPPA are a response to the evolving digital landscape and the need to protect children’s privacy in an era of increasingly sophisticated data collection and surveillance methods. By updating and strengthening the regulations, the FTC aims to create a safer online environment for children, allowing them to benefit from the advantages of digital tools while minimizing the risks associated with data tracking and targeted advertising.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.