|
Comply with COPPA – a great idea, but not required.
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) went into effect in April 2000. While this is 2005, I am continually surprised at how many organizations know nothing about the law.
COPPA applies to operators of commercial websites and online services directed to children under 13 that collect personal information from children, and operators of general audience sites with actual knowledge that they are collecting information from children under 13. This could apply to a form as simple as an email newsletter signup. To comply, web site operators must include in a privacy policy and seek verifiable consent from a parent when necessary, among other things. The law spells out what responsibilities an operator has to protect children's privacy and safety online. COPPA is enforced by the FTC. A full explanation can be found on the FTC web site. Although most nonprofits are exempt from COPPA, the FTC encourages nonprofit organizations to "set an example by posting privacy policies and providing the protections set forth in COPPA to children providing personal information at their sites." Read more ... Compliance is a good practice even when the law doesn't require it. Why? Because a nonprofit's most valuable asset is their reputation and trustworthiness. Nonprofits value and rely on their reputations as advocates for the public good, particularly those organizations with a primary mission of helping children. Complying with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act is easier than combating bad press. As more commercial sites have become compliant, web site visitors are accustomed to both a privacy policy and a simple question on most forms, "Are you 13 years or older?" World Wildlife Fund has a great example right on their homepage. The DMA has several valuable resources to help you with compliance: June 2005 | ||
