FTC Seeks to Make Temporary COPPA Provision Permanent

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on a proposal to make permanent a temporary provision of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule.

The temporary provision allows operators of websites and online services that collect personal information from children solely for internal use to obtain verifiable parental consent via email.

The Rule currently uses a “sliding scale” approach, whereby websites and online services can obtain parental consent through the use of an email plus an additional step to ensure the person providing consent actually is a parent.

If an operator intends to disclose a child’s information publicly or to third parties, the Rule requires it to employ more reliable methods of obtaining parental consent. Such methods include using a print-and-send consent form; a credit card transaction; a toll-free telephone number staffed by trained personnel; a digital certificate using public key technology; or an email with a password or PIN obtained by one of the above methods.

The FTC adopted the sliding scale approach when it issued the Rule in 1999. At that time, the agency anticipated that more sophisticated, reliable and cost-efficient technology for obtaining parental consent would become available soon, so the sliding scale approach was set to expire in 2002.

In 2002, the FTC extended the sliding scale approach until April 21, 2005, because the expected technology still was not available.

Since there is no evidence that such technology will become available in the next few months, the FTC is proposing that the Rule be amended to make permanent the sliding scale approach.

The FTC is seeking comments on whether: (1) current or anticipated technology could provide reliable means for obtaining parental consent at a reasonable cost; (2) eliminating, extending or making permanent the sliding scale approach would affect the incentive to develop such technology; (3) eliminating the sliding scale approach would effect how website operators use information collected from children; and (4) the sliding scale approach should be eliminated, extended or made permanent.

Comments may be filed electronically using the web-based form available at https://secure.commentworks.com/ftcslidingscale/. Comments must be received by Feb. 14, 2005.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Niki Media Acquires BritSexCash

Production studio Niki Media BV has acquired affiliate program BritSexCash.

FSC Warns of Nude Photography Site Falsely Claiming Affiliation With Organization

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) published a statement Friday warning of a nude art photography website fraudulently claiming to be associated with the industry trade organization.

MojoHost Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Industry Amid Project 2025 Implications

In the wake of Tuesday's election and amid concerns about the possible ramifications for the adult industry, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has releases a statement addressing Project 2025 and the future of the industy.

Adult Web Hosting Service 'Midnight-Host' Launches

Midnight-Host, a new web hosting service designed specifically for adult websites, has launched.

ASN Lifestyle Magazine Joins Pineapple Support as Media Sponsor

ASN Lifestyle Magazine has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support, partnering with the organization as a media sponsor.

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Fetisfy Online Fetish Marketplace Launches

Fetisfy.com, an online marketplace for users to sell fetish items, has launched.

Pineapple Support Launches 'Spill the Tea, Colombia' Community Support Event Series

Pineapple Support has launched "Spill the Tea, Colombia," a monthly, in-person community support event for adult industry professionals.

Streamster Launches 'Tip2Peep' Camera-Switching Feature

Live-streaming software provider Streamster has launched Tip2Peep, a new feature that allows viewers to switch between multiple webcam viewing angles by tipping the creator.

Tyler Wu Guests on Chaturbate's 'Sex Tales' Podcast

Tyler Wu is the latest guest on Chaturbate’s “Sex Tales” podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Show More