Updated Child Online Privacy Rule Starts in July

Despite pleas for delay from the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and 18 other trade associations, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has rejected any extension on implementation of the updated Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The updated rule goes into effect this July 1. The trade associations are concerned about compliance with changes, such as an expanded definition of "personal information," which they hold will require more time to overhaul products and services. The DMA also expressed concern over an amendment holding companies legally responsible for third-party data services providers' compliance failures. The FTC responded that the trade groups have been on notice since the beginning of the rule-making process more than three years ago and have had six months to implement changes since the final December 2012 COPPA amendments. Changes affect parental notice, obtaining parental consent, confidentiality of personal information, safe harbors, and expanded definitions of "personal information," "website or online service directed to children," and "operator" of children-directed sites or services. For more on the updated COPPA, go to http://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/x/239632/Data+Protection+Privacy/FTCs+Revised+COPPA+Rules+Go+Into+Effect+July+1+2013