Restrictions on Targeted Ads and Push Notifications
Under the proposal, digital platforms will be required to disable targeted advertisements for children under 13 by default. Furthermore, these platforms will be prohibited from utilizing specific data to send kids push notifications or “nudges” that encourage them to continue using their products. These measures aim to safeguard children from manipulative advertising and intrusive product promotions.
Updating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
This proposed rulemaking builds upon the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a significant law established in 1998. COPPA mandates that websites and digital service providers obtain parental consent before collecting data from users under the age of 13. By updating COPPA, the FTC aims to reflect the evolving digital landscape and ensure greater protection for children’s online privacy.
Gaining Momentum and Bipartisan Support
The push for enhanced protections for children’s online privacy has gained bipartisan traction across states and within the federal government. Addressing concerns about the adequacy of existing regulations, lawmakers have sought to broaden COPPA’s safeguards. This proposed expansion reflects a broader effort to adapt to technological advancements and establish consistent privacy standards for children online.
FTC Chair’s Perspective
FTC Chair Lina Khan, a Democrat, expressed the necessity of these changes in light of the vital role online tools play in our daily lives. She emphasized the increasing use of sophisticated digital tools that gather data on children and the importance of strengthening regulations accordingly. The proposed updates to COPPA represent a crucial step towards ensuring children’s safety online.
The FTC has been reviewing its enforcement of COPPA since 2019, and this proposal is the result of that ongoing evaluation. Advocates for children’s safety hope that this initiative will serve as a catalyst for more stringent oversight of major tech companies, including Meta, the parent company of Facebook, and Google.
Expanding Protections in Educational Settings
As part of the proposed rules, the FTC seeks to extend protections against the collection of children’s data in schools. Ed tech companies would only be authorized to collect and utilize data from students for educational purposes explicitly approved by schools. This measure aims to safeguard children’s personal information and ensure that it is not exploited for commercial gain within educational settings.