Child Protection Laws in Social Media

Child Protection Laws in Social Media

The internet is one place where anyone can seek out any kind of information or entertainment. The notion of internet is so widespread that you will find children of young age surfing the internet. However, the idea of having children full freedom on the internet is opposed by many. The various acts and cyber crimes against children lead to the drafting of several Acts. In order to protect the children using the internet the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was introduced and it became effective in 2000. A child under the age of 13 years are protected under this act and applies to the personal information collected from them by people under U.S. jurisdiction. As per this act children under the age of 13 have to seek their parent’s consent for giving their personal information.

The social media takes a keen interest in children as they are one of the most influential consumers in the market. Companies dealing in children’s items and commodities try to attract the attention of these kids with the help of social media. Platforms like Facebook are the most preferred social sites among children. Although Facebook has a policy about not accepting children less than 13, many kids across the world lie their way and create accounts. Even though many websites and social sites like Facebook have rules about not accepting children below the age of 13 years it is of no use. Children younger than 13 years are very much active in such sites. It is very easy for these innocent children to get embroiled in cyber troubles and this is where the COPPA comes into action.

Although COPPA was introduced to prevent the marketers from exploiting the children’s personal data it has now developed more. It ensures the children’s rights are protected and they are not exploited. The parents will be given notice as to how the information will be put to use, and they also have the capacity to access and assess their child’s personal information.

Several updates have been made to the law keeping in mind the increasing crimes against the children through internet. As per new guidelines, websites and phone apps that collect photos or other data from children are now required to obtain express consent from the parents. The new rules also require the firms to become more responsible for data collection by third parties, thereby solving the problem of an earlier loophole which was exploited by marketers in the earlier period. Certain apps may require the parental consent through emails, etc. The parents hence, have to be on guard and ensure that their children follow the rules.

However, it is very early to say whether these updates in COPPA will prove to be useful. Debates will continue on the opinions of several people who oppose the act. According to them, COPPA is actually taking away a child’s right to speech and freedom. In the long run, it is of utmost importance to uphold the best interests of children’s privacy on the internet. They are most vulnerable to exploitation and need to be protected.