This is more of a “newsflash” than a full blog post, but I wanted to bring some industry news to your attention on the topic of children’s online privacy. Recently the FTC proposed revisions to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). While the final rules are not written, it’s important for app developers to be aware of the proposed changes as they move their businesses forward.
Those who have experience in the kids gaming industry are probably well-versed with COPPA, but for an app developer who just launched in the past couple of years, this could be all new territory.
Now seems like the right time to learn more about the underlying rules developers should follow under COPPA, as well as discussing the proposed changes. Many developers have raised questions such as:
- How do app developers handle marketing, social sharing, or social gaming in apps for kids under 13, and still comply with COPPA?
- How do app developers create a privacy policy that clearly outlines their intentions in regard to respecting their user’s privacy?
- How do app developers use analytics to help build better products, collect academic tracking data, and learn from users while still complying with the law?
The privacy conversation is being defined as we speak, but the good news is that the FTC is collecting comments on the proposed revisions – so it’s possible for app developers and parents to have a say in the process. We are working with the Association for Competitive Technology (ACT) to get a Q&A session with app developers. The proposed time is 9:00am PST on Tuesday Sept. 27th. I’d like to collect RSVPs so I can keep you informed on the details and agenda. Please email lorraineakemann@gmail.com with your Skype ID if you’d like to attend. —Lorraine
