Online privacy for children is another area where federal legislation and regulations set certain requirements applicable to the cloud. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (“COPPA”) was primarily directed towards websites that collect information from users under age 13. As cloud-computing has expanded in the years since COPPA was enacted, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), which is the primary federal agency charged with regulating online activity related to children under COPPA, has clarified that any “internet service,” including but not limited to cloud-computing networks, fall under COPPA. COPPA imposes detailed requirements for privacy policies, obtaining parental consent, limitation of marketing activities directed towards users under age 13, and other aspects of operating a website or “internet service” that children may use. More information regarding COPPA may be found at:
http://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/complying-coppa-frequently-asked-questions
