The importance of COPPA Compliance | Spotlite
A Beginner's Guide to COPPA Compliance
Children are some of the most vulnerable online users, which is why the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act was created. COPPA requires website operators to get parental consent before collecting personal information from kids under 13. COPPA was created with the sole purpose to protect children. But what does COPPA compliance entail, and why is it so important? Read on for answers to these questions and more!
What is COPPA?
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, is a United States federal law that was passed in 1998. The act protects the privacy of those under the age of 13 by regulating how children's data can be collected and used by online services. This is especially important as younger children and tweens are already on social networks.
It requires operators of websites and online services directed at children under 13 to obtain parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children. The main purpose of this is to protect a child's personal information. 100% COPPA compliant digital platforms exist that provide moderated social media experiences for teens that are safe and secure.
How does COPPA protect children's privacy online, and what are the penalties for violating COPPA?
Under COPPA, online services are required to get parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing any personal information about children who are under 13 years old. If a service violates COPPA, they can face fines of up to $40,000 per child affected.
What types of information does COPPA regulate?
COPPA regulates the collection of children's data and use of six categories of information:
- name
- physical address
- phone number
- email address
- Social Security number
- any other identifying information such as school name, parents' work addresses and date of birth
What platforms and services are 100% COPPA compliant?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different platforms and services will have different levels of COPPA compliance. Social media sites are collecting personal information online, but they must abide by COPPA regulations when it comes to a child's personal information. However, many online services and platforms that cater to kids and families are 100% COPPA compliant, including moderated social media networks like Spotlite and Club Penguin Island.
Tips for complying with COPPA as a business
- Businesses outside the United States that collect data from children in the US must comply with COPPA regulations and not break COPPA rules.
- Review your website or app's privacy policy to make sure you are collecting only the information you need from users and obtaining parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing any personal information about children under 13.
- Use a third-party service to verify the ages of your users and ensure compliance.
- Make it easy for parents to give consent by providing clear and concise instructions on how to do so.
- Educate your staff on COPPA requirements and make sure they are following them when interacting with users.
Tips for ensuring COPPA compliance as a parent
If you're a parent or guardian of a child who uses the internet, there are a few things you can do to help ensure COPPA compliance:
- Check the privacy policies of the websites your child visits to see if they mention COPPA and abide by COPPA rules.
- Ask your child's favorite online services about their level of COPPA compliance.
- Use parental controls and other tools to help keep your child's personal information safe
What are some best practices for protecting children's privacy online?
Here are a few tips for ensuring that your teen's online experience is 100% COPPA compliant:
- Review the terms of service and privacy policy for any platforms or services your teen uses. Make sure that they are COPPA compliant and that you understand how your child's information will be used.
- Use a moderated social media platform that is 100% COPPA compliant, such as Spotlite. These platforms provide a safe and secure online experience for teens, while also complying with all COPPA regulations. These can include digital platforms that are tailored for young people such as moderated social media for teens and tweens.
- Talk to your teen about online privacy and safety. The best way to protect them is to educate them about the risks and dangers of the internet and teaching them not to spread real life private information. By having an open dialogue, you can help them make smart decisions when it comes to their online privacy.
More Infomation
As a brand or digital platform parent, it's important to understand the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act and how it can help protect your teen's online privacy. By using a COPPA compliant platform like Spotlite, you can be sure that your teen is safe and protected online. For more information on COPPA rules and compliance, please visit https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/federal-trade-commission-regulations-childrens-online-privacy-protection-act-coppa.
COPPA is a critical piece of legislation that helps to protect the privacy of children online. By understanding COPPA and following best practices for protecting data, businesses can help ensure that they are not collecting or using information from children in violation of the law. If you’re looking for a social media platform that is 100% COPPA-compliant, be sure to check out Spotlite. Our platform has been built with safety and security as a top priority, and we work hard to moderate all content so that it is appropriate for teens and children. Sign up your brand today and join the thousands of others who have made their online presence safe and secure for the next generation!