Define: Child Online Privacy Act

Answer: The Child Online Privacy Act (COPPA) is a federal law in the United States that regulates the online collection of personal information from children under the age of 13.

Answer: COPPA applies to operators of commercial websites and online services that are directed towards children under 13 years old, as well as operators who have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information from children under 13.

Answer: Personal information under COPPA includes a child’s full name, home address, email address, telephone number, social security number, or any other information that can be used to identify or contact a specific individual.

Answer: Yes, there are a few exceptions to COPPA. For example, COPPA does not apply to non-profit organisations, schools, or government entities. Additionally, certain types of information, such as persistent identifiers used for internal operations, may be exempt from COPPA requirements.

Answer: COPPA requires operators to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13. This can be done through various methods, such as obtaining a signed consent form, using a credit card, or verifying a parent’s identity over the phone.

Answer: Non-compliance with COPPA can result in significant penalties. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can impose fines of up to $43,280 per violation, and state attorneys general can also enforce COPPA and seek civil penalties.

Answer: Yes, parents have the right to revoke their consent at any time. Operators must provide a reasonable means for parents to review the personal information collected from their child and to request its deletion.

Answer: Yes, operators must also provide clear and easily accessible privacy policies that outline their data collection practices, as well as secure the personal information they collect from children.

Answer: Operators are generally prohibited from disclosing children’s personal information to third parties without obtaining verifiable parental consent. However, there are some exceptions, such as when the disclosure is necessary to protect the safety of a child.

Answer: Operators can ensure compliance with COPPA by implementing strict data protection measures, obtaining verifiable parental consent, providing clear privacy policies, and regularly reviewing and updating their practices to align with COPPA requirements. It is also advisable to seek legal counsel to ensure full compliance with the law.