Privacy Law Matters Blog

By Sheila SokolowskiOn May 19, 2022, the FTC issued a stern warning to ed-tech providers regarding compliance with COPPA suggesting enhanced enforcement in this area. Citing “the steady proliferation of technologies that allow, and business models that depend on, the online collection and monetization of consumers’ personal information” and “the development of ever more sophisticated…

By Charlotte LundayOn November 9, 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a proposed settlement with Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (Zoom). The FTC alleged in its complaint that Zoom engaged in both deceptive and unfair trade practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act relating to the security of its services and claims it made about…

By Smriti ChandrashekarOn October 23, 2017, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued guidance on the online collection of certain audio voice recordings from children under the age of 13.  The guidance, in the form of an “enforcement policy statement” discusses the application of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) to such recordings.  In…

By Carolyn KrolOn June 21, 2017, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) published an update to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (“COPPA”) compliance plan for businesses. The FTC Business Blog describes the update as a reflection of the developments in the marketplace, such as internet-connected toys. The compliance plan provides businesses with a step-by-step…

By Mike HintzeOn Wednesday, December 7, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission held a Smart TV workshop, as part of its Fall Technology Series.The event began with opening remarks from Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.  Rich described how the changes from traditional broadcast television to the use of more streaming services…

By Carolyn Krol On Thursday, October 13, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) held an afternoon workshop exploring drones as part of its series of fall technology events. Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen’s opening remarks likened privacy concerns about drones to concerns about portable camera technology. The Commissioner explained in 1890, it was this new and unfamiliar…

By Jeanie Gong and Susan Lyon-Hintze On January 27, 2015, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) released its new report on data protection for users of the Internet of Things (“IoT”) which includes connected products such as health and fitness monitors, home security devices, connected cars and household appliances. The report focuses on the following areas: security, data minimization, and notice and choice  The FTC’s report provides companies developing IoT products with guidelines on…

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has updated its Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) FAQs.  Under the COPPA Rule an operator must obtain verifiable consent from a parent before collecting any personal information from a child, which the FTC defines as under the age of 13.  See 16 C.F.R. § 312.5(c).  The update provides additional guidance in three areas: 1.…