A Web Operator’s Guide to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act

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If you’re a new website operator or you own a business website that children under 13 may use, you need to understand and comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA. This act was passed on April 21, 2000 to protect the privacy as well as the safety of children under the age of 13 who use the Internet.

COPPA outlines specific requirements website operators

must adhere to, and ignorance is no defense when it comes to COPPA. If you violate the rules outlined in this important Act, you could be charged up to $11,000 per violation.

The rules outlined in COPPA regarding the responsibilities of web operators are very clear. Every website owner or operator should be able to understand the Act completely by reading through it, but if you have questions or doubts about compliance or whether or not your rules apply to your website, don’t leave it to chance.

Regardless of whether or not you operate a site aimed at children under 13 or collect any personal information at all online, you should read and understand the COPPA. If you are operating a website or an online business, it is your responsibility to abide by COPPA, but you can also use your knowledge to look out for other web sites that could be violating the Act. It’s the least you can do to help keep kids safe online.

If you do operate a website that is aimed at children under the age of 13, it is imperative that you completely understand this Act and are positive you are abiding by every rule outlining your responsibilities. If you’re not sure, the easiest way to find out is by seeking assistance from the FTC. You can refer to the FTC’s COPPA website which you can access online. If you have a question about the Act or your responsibilities, pick up the phone and call the COPPA Compliance Information Line at 202-326-3140.

What are some of the Website Operator requirements outlined in COPPA? Websites must post a privacy policy in accordance with COPPA guidelines. Any website directed towards children that collects information from kids under13 must disclose their information collection practices. This disclosure must be created and even placed on your website in a very specific way that is outlined in COPPA. Some websites also must obtain parental consent before they collect, use or disclose personal information about a child under the age of 13.

This is a general overview of three of the types of regulations COPPA holds website operators to, and there are more. You are not necessarily excluded from regulations if you have what you believe to be a general audience website. The only way you will know for certain whether or not COPPA applies to your website is to obtain a copy of the Act and read through it thoroughly. You can also obtain a very helpful COPPA checklist online through the FTC.

You may or may not agree that it is every Internet user’s responsibility to help protect children’s privacy and ensure their safety online, but it is undoubtedly the responsibility of every web operator. It only takes a small investment of your time to read through the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.

Make the effort today to ensure your websites are in compliance with FTC regulations, and learn how to spot potentially dangerous websites that could be threatening the privacy of children online.