FOPPA is an acronym that stands for the Family Online Privacy Protection Act. It is a federal law enacted in the United States to protect the privacy and personal information of children under the age of 13 when they are using websites or online platforms.
The primary objective of FOPPA is to place certain restrictions and obligations on websites and online services that collect personal information from children. It requires these platforms to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children. The law also mandates the provision of clear and transparent privacy policies that detail the types of information collected, how it will be used, and the disclosure practices.
Moreover, FOPPA restricts the online distribution of personal information of children, including photos and videos, without parental consent. It also empowers parents to access, review, and delete the personal information collected about their children.
Non-compliance with FOPPA can lead to severe penalties and enforcement actions, including fines and sanctions, by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The law serves as a safeguard against potential risks children face while engaging with online platforms, ensuring their privacy and protecting them from unauthorized data collection or exploitation.
FOPPA plays a vital role in promoting responsible data collection practices and respecting the privacy of young internet users, thus contributing to a safer online environment for children.
