Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission has issued an updated set of frequently asked questions designed to help website operators, mobile application developers, plug-ins and advertising networks operating on child-directed websites and online services prepare for upcoming changes to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule.

The document, titled “Complying With COPPA: Frequently Asked Questions” contains information directed to websites and online services whose work online may involve the collection of personal information from children under age 13. The document provides guidance from the FTC staff that supplements the rule and other COPPA–related material previously published by the FTC.

In addition to the guidelines and frequently asked questions, FTC staff maintain a “COPPA Hotline” email address, COPPAHotLine@ftc.gov, where industry members can send questions on how to ensure they are compliant with the rule. FTC staff will periodically update the FAQs. Comments on the FAQs or suggestions for new FAQs may be submitted through the COPPA Hotline email address.

The Commission finalized amendments to the COPPA Rule last December, and they will go into effect on July 1 of this year. The process to review the rule was begun in 2010 with the intent to modernize the rule and ensure that children’s privacy protections kept up with evolving technology and changes in the way children use and access the Internet, including the increased use of mobile devices and social networking.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.