FTC to Host Public Roundtable to Review Whether Technology Changes Warrant Changes to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule

In light of rapidly changing technology such as the increased use of smartphones and other devices to access the Internet, the Federal Trade Commission will host a public roundtable, “Protecting Kids’ Privacy Online: Reviewing the COPPA Rule,” on June 2, 2010 to explore whether to update the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule. The Rule was enacted in 2000 and requires Web site operators to obtain parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under 13. Roundtable topics will include:

• Whether the Rule should be applied to emerging media such as mobile devices, interactive television, and interactive gaming;
• Potential expansion of the Rule to cover more items of information that might be collected from children; and,
• A review of the parental verification methods used by Web site operators.

For a more detailed list of topics, see the Commission’s March 24, 2010 request for public comment on the COPPA Rule, at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/coppa.shtm.

The roundtable will be held at the FTC Conference Center at 601 New Jersey Avenue N.W. in Washington, DC. It is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required. Members of the public and press who wish to participate but who cannot attend can view a live webcast at ftc.gov.

Individuals and organizations may submit requests to participate as panelists and may recommend topics for inclusion in the agenda. The requests and recommendations should be submitted electronically to childrensprivacyroundtable@ftc.gov. Prospective panelists should submit a statement detailing their expertise on the issues to be addressed and contact information no later than May 5, 2010. Panelists will be selected based on expertise and the need to include a broad range of views.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Requests should be submitted via email to cmglothlin@ftc.gov or by calling Carrie McGlothlin at (202) 326-3388. Requests should be made in advance. Please include a detailed description of the accommodation needed, and provide contact information.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.