For Parents: Keeping Kids Privacy-safe Online

It seems sometimes that no one is more aware of what the Web has to offer than kids. They know that the Web offers places to play, help with homework, stores to shop and other kids to talk to. But when it comes to the privacy of their personal information online, kids under 13 may not understand what it means to give out personal information to a Web site. It's important, therefore, that parents know and understand what they can do to exercise control over how personal information about their children is collected and used online.

To make it easier for parents to protect the privacy of their children's personal information, the Federal Trade Commission established new rules for Web site operators. These rules are part of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), passed by Congress in 1998. COPPA requires that Web site operators take specific steps to protect the privacy of children.

Below you'll find the FTC's tips for parents. For more information, click on the icon in each section to read the Web site operators' requirements under COPPA.

Parents should . . .

• . . . Look for a privacy policy on any website directed to children.

  The policy must be available through a link on the Web site's home page and at each area where personal information is collected from kids. Web sites for general audiences that have a children's section must post the notice on the homepages of the section for kids.

  Read the policy closely to learn the kinds of personal information being collected, how it will be used, and whether it will be passed on to third parties. If you find a Web site that doesn't post basic protections for children's personal information, ask for details about their information collection practices.

• . . . Decide whether to give consent.

  Giving consent authorizes the Web site to collect personal information from your child. You can give consent and still say no to having your child's information passed along to a third party.

  Your consent isn't necessary if the Web site is collecting your child's email address simply to respond to a one-time request for information.

• . . . Decide whether to approve information collection from your kids based on new uses for the information.

  Web site operators will let you know about the need for new consent by sending you a new notice and request. They will do this when they are changing the terms-of-use of the information in a "material" or significant way.

• . . . Ask to see the information your child has submitted.

  The site will ask you to verify your identity to ensure that your child's information isn't given out improperly.

  Understand that you may revoke your consent at any time and have your child's information deleted.

  To stop a website from collecting additional information from your child, you can revoke your consent. You also may ask a site to delete any personal information it has already collected from your child.