In further efforts to protect minors from data misuse online, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently outlined additional proposed modifications to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule. Initiated in response to the Children’s Online Protection Act of 1998, the rule mandates online platforms to secure a verifiable parental assent prior to collecting, using, or disclosing any personal information fetched from children. Implemented in 2000, it last received an update in 2013. Offshoot to these proposed changes, targeted advertising would need to be disabled by default and could only be activated upon obtaining verifiable parental approval.
The details shared by the FTC on these intended amendments underline the importance for all digital operators to scrutinize their existing policies and prepare for future changes. To best secure user information against potential digital threats, both corporate companies and law firms must continually realign their data protection strategies to follow the latest FTC guidelines. Being informed and proactive can help safeguard user interests, while maintaining compliance with changing legal standards.