Microsoft has agreed to pay $20 million to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allegations that it collected personal data from children under 13 without parental permission.
The FTC charged that Microsoft violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting and using personal information from children under 13 without their parents’ permission and failing to give clear and conspicuous notice of its data collection practices.
As part of its settlement agreement with the FTC, Microsoft will pay $20 million. Furthermore, as per COPPA compliance standards they must modify their data collection practices accordingly – these changes include:
Before collecting personal information from children under 13, parental consent must first be secured before gathering data collection practices are undertaken. Furthermore, providing clear and conspicuous notice to parents about how data collection practices operate is key in providing them with an opportunity to review and delete their children’s personal information as desired.
The Federal Trade Commission’s settlement with Microsoft marks a huge victory for children’s privacy advocates. It sends a clear signal to companies that they must abide by COPPA or face enforcement action from the FTC.
The settlement also gives parents peace of mind knowing their children’s personal data will be protected when using Microsoft products and services.
Here are some additional details regarding the settlement:
- Microsoft will pay its settlement over three years and must hire an independent privacy expert to monitor its compliance with COPPA.
- Furthermore, the FTC can audit Microsoft at any time to assess their adherence with this provision of law.
- This settlement serves as an illustration of how the FTC is striving to protect children’s privacy online.
- We remain dedicated to upholding COPPA and making sure companies comply with its provisions.