The Center for Digital Democracy (CDD), in its ongoing efforts to monitor the Federal Trade Commission’s enforcement of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), has filed a motion in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia challenging the FTC’s refusal to release important COPPA documentation. The case involves seven “safe harbor” programs, such as KidSAFE and TRUSTe, approved by the FTC to handle website compliance with COPPA regulations.

Washington, DC – Tuesday, April 7 – A coalition of prominent children’s and consumer advocacy groups filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today requesting an investigation of Google, charging the company with unfair and deceptive practices in connection with its new YouTube Kids app.

Washington, DC – Tuesday, April 7 – A coalition of prominent children’s and consumer advocacy groups filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today requesting an investigation of Google, charging the company with unfair and deceptive practices in connection with its new YouTube Kids app.

Statement from Hudson Kingston, CDD Legal Director:

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a federal law my NGO led the campaign for back in the mid-1990's, was designed to ensure that parents (or the responsible adult) be able to make meaningful decisions about commercial data collected from a child (thru age 12).  It's based on a concept requiring serious (read honest) and full disclosure of data collection and use practices, with prior affirmative consent (informed opt-in) before any collection occurs.  Given the powerful array of digital marketing techniques focused on c

In our research we've noticed that some groups get more attention than others when it comes to digital marketing.  See our infographic below highlighting some of our concerns about "Junk Food Marketing to Hispanic Youth"

The Center for Digital Democracy (CDD) closely analyzes Facebook’s privacy and marketing policies.  In partnership with other child advocacy, health and consumer organizations, we are in an on-going discussion about Facebook's data collection and marketing policies and its impact on children and teens.  As part of our public outreach work, CDD is releasing  “5 Reasons Why Facebook is Not Suitable for Children Under 13."   The guide lays out some of the key problematic business and marketing practices that makes Facebook own data-driven marketing practices of concern for children.

In a 4-0 decision, the FTC agreed with CDD and a coalition of consumer, public health, and child advocay groups to reject calls from the online marketing lobby to delay the implementation of the new COPPA rules.   The decision can be read here.

Our coalition's oppostion to the industry request played an important role in the commission's decision.  It can be reviewed here.

Here's the abstract.