How Do I Report a Violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)?

A Guide to Safeguarding Children's Privacy Online

Protecting the online privacy of children is of paramount importance in today's digital age. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law in the United States designed to ensure that children under the age of 13 are protected while using online services. If you believe that a website or online service is violating COPPA guidelines, it is crucial to know how to report the violation. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to report a violation of COPPA, ensuring the protection of children's privacy online.

Understanding the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA):

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was enacted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 1998 to regulate the collection and handling of personal information of children under 13 years old by website operators and online service providers. COPPA requires these entities to obtain parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children. It also outlines specific privacy policy requirements and establishes safeguards to protect children's privacy rights.

Step 1: Gather Evidence:

Before filing a complaint, it is essential to gather relevant evidence of the COPPA violation. Take screenshots or record instances where the website or online service is collecting personal information from children without obtaining parental consent or failing to provide appropriate privacy disclosures.

Step 2: File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

To report a violation of COPPA, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency responsible for enforcing COPPA. Visit the FTC's Complaint Assistant website at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov to begin the process. Provide detailed information about the violation, including the website or service in question and any evidence you have collected.

Step 3: Contact the Website or Online Service:

In some cases, it may be helpful to contact the website or online service directly to bring the COPPA violation to their attention. Look for a "Contact Us" or "Support" section on their website and provide them with a detailed explanation of the violation. Include any evidence you have collected to support your claim.

Step 4: Report to the Safe Harbor Program:

Some website operators participate in approved self-regulatory programs known as "Safe Harbor programs." These programs are designed to help website operators comply with COPPA guidelines. If the website in question is a participant in a Safe Harbor program, you can report the violation to the program as an additional step.

Relevant Law Citations:

1. Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), 15 U.S.C. §§ 6501-6506. Link: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/chapter-91

2. FTC's COPPA Rule, 16 C.F.R. Part 312. Link: https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule

Conclusion:

The protection of children's online privacy is a crucial responsibility shared by parents, online service providers, and regulatory bodies. Understanding and enforcing the guidelines set forth by the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is essential to ensure children's safety and privacy online. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can play an active role in reporting violations of COPPA, contributing to the creation of a safer digital environment for children.

External Link:

To learn more about COPPA and its provisions, visit the official FTC website on COPPA: https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform