When I first started this job, back in the age of the dinosaurs, all I heard was COPPA this and COPPA that. And I was like, huh? Now the Children's Online Privacy Protection ACT (COPPA) has become second nature to me (selling ads to kids will do that to you). So, of course the FTC is considering changing it.
COPPA, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) since 2000, seeks to put parents in control over what information is collected from their children online. COPPA applies only to operators of websites and requires, among other things, parental consent prior to collecting personally identifiable information from children under 13 and comprehensive privacy disclosures regarding the collected information. (Note: This is a much simplified description of COPPA to keep you from falling asleep at work. You can get more detail from the horse's mouth.)
COPPA's effectiveness has received mixed reviews. The FTC has levied some fairly steep fines and has brought actions against some fairly serious brands in its enforcement, but it has also left some holes that have invited states to get into the mix. But I think you'd have a hard time arguing against protecting kids online (unless you were like a lawyer or something).
But the government is not leaving well enough alone. Recently, the FTC announced that it is considering changes in the rules that implement COPPA. Specifically, they are seeking public comment on whether changes in the online environment since 2005, oh, say, like this, when the FTC last reviewed the Rule, warrant changes in the Rule. As if! The FTC seems most focused on the increasing availability of mobile communications, interactive gaming and other interactive media.
Just because my niece sends a bazillion texts per month, doesn't mean her privacy is being violated. But it's worth another look to see what else she might be doing that does. So, stay tuned to see what changes you can expect if you operate a website for kids.