The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires that commercial web sites obtain parental consent (under most circumstances) prior to the collection of any personally identifiable information from children whom they know to be under the age of 13. In addition, COPPA requires that web sites that collect personal information from children under the age of 13 provide parents with:

• Notice. Parents must be provided notice regarding what information is collected, how the information will be used, and with whom the information may be shared.
• The ability to prevent further use of the information collected about the child and prevent any future collection of personal information from the child.
• The ability to access and review their child's personal information.

COPPA also limits the amount of personal information a web site can collect from a child. Web sites may not collect any more personal information than is necessary to participate in a given game or activity.

For more information about COPPA, please visit the Federal Trade Commission's web site.