FACELIFT: The U.S. Federal Trade Commission updated its COPPA rules, which dictate how companies must proceed when collecting data from children under the age of 13. (A recent report criticized how app developers continue to collect and share such information to third parties.) The major changes, according to FTC chairman Stan Leibowitz (PDF), include: broadening the definition of "personal information" to include geolocation info, pictures and videos; closing a loophole that previously allowed third parties to collect children's personal info without parental consent; and creating new, acceptable methods through which companies can obtain parental consent. The Wall Street Journal noted that Apple, Google and Facebook scored "partial victories" since their app stores remain free from liability for the apps hosted there." The updated rules will go into effect July 1. Those so inclined can read the full document here (PDF).
