COP-OUT? The Federal Trade Commission's proposed updates to COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998) are drawing criticisms from companies like Facebook, just to name a few. A main point of contention is a requirement that children seek parental permission before they share, "like," or "+1" online content, since these activities are tracked. Apple is also complaining that the new regulations would hold marketplace platforms responsible for the privacy practices of the countless apps they contain. These companies cry foul over free speech; child advocacy groups says these smart techies ought to be able to find a way to better protect children.
