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INTERNET CHILD PRIVACY LAW

The new Internet federal privacy law has websites scrambling. Sites that attract children under 13 will be required to obtain parental permission before they collect personal information. They must also report how they intend to use the data. Popular sites aimed at children include online games and other forms of entertainment. In exchange for access, the sites request personal information from children. The new law is designed to protect data such as e-mail addresses and school locations from marketers and child molesters. Out of frustration over what they believe is encroaching government regulation of the Internet, some sites have stopped asking questions or have forbidden access to minors. Other sites have taken a more pro-active approach, such as contacting all parents to renew consent in light of the new law. One problem is that many children are more computer savvy than their parents. Such a law won’t prevent those who want access without a parent's permission to steal a parent's credit card, and post the information themselves.

Wed, 26 Apr 2000 05:05:12 -0700

Submitted by: Trish Wilson