Exercise Your Rights: Commenting Online

Once in awhile, the folks that run our government in D.C. allow the little people to have a say in how things are done.  We here at TINA.org want to encourage you to make your voice heard–and not just to complain.

Until December 23, 2011, the FTC will be accepting comments from the public on proposed revisions to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act; it gives parents control over what information websites can collect from their kids under 13).  Enacted in 1998 and enforced by the FTC, COPPA sets guidelines on what websites collect from children under the age of 13.  Obviously, the Internet has come a long way since 1998 (Facebook, anyone?), and accordingly, the FTC is seeking to update sections including the definitions as well as requirements around parental consent, confidentiality, security and data retention.

According to FTC Chairman Jon Leibowtiz:

“In this era of rapid technological change, kids are often tech savvy but judgment poor. We want to ensure that the COPPA Rule is effective in helping parents protect their children online, without unnecessarily burdening online businesses.”