Children's Online Privacy
Ongoing coverage on Children's Online Privacy.
Latest coverage
TikTok Agrees to $400 Million Settlement in DOJ Children’s Privacy Suit
TikTok has agreed to a $400 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit accusing it of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The settlement includes an immediate payment of $300 million, with an additional $100 million contingent on a court vacating a prior consent decree against TikTok's predecessor, Musical.ly. The Department of Justice noted TikTok has made significant changes to its privacy practices since the suit was filed.
The US Senate are investigating Roblox for prioritising "revenue and engagement metrics over the safety and well-being of our children"
The US Senate has launched an investigation into Roblox, accusing the company of prioritizing revenue and engagement metrics over child safety. Senators Josh Hawley and Richard J. Durbin have requested extensive documentation from Roblox CEO David Baszucki regarding the platform's alleged facilitation of child exploitation, grooming, and exposure to violent content. Roblox has been given until August 31st to provide the requested information, which includes details on user demographics, safety tools, and revenue streams related to potentially harmful content.
Meta faces a $1.4 trillion reckoning in latest trial over social media addiction
Meta is facing a trial where dozens of states accuse the company of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, with the company potentially facing a $1.4 trillion reckoning over social media addiction concerns.
UK social media ban will restrict 'high-risk' features on game platforms
The UK government will ban social media for individuals under 16 and restrict 'high-risk' features like livestreaming and communication with strangers on video game platforms. This decision follows a public consultation showing strong parental support for stricter online safety measures. The UK video game industry trade body Ukie has welcomed the distinction between social media and gaming platforms and offered to collaborate on the new regulations, which are expected to come into effect in Spring 2027.
Exclusive: 'We're not a compliant organization, we're a leading organization' — How Nex's kid-friendly console aims to be ahead of the UK's Online Safety Act
Nex is preparing for the UK's Online Safety Act 2023 with its new Nex Playground console, designed for children aged three to 12. The company emphasizes its commitment to Trust and Safety from day one, with features like on-device AI processing for privacy and a locked-down operating system. Nex aims to lead the industry in compliance rather than just meeting requirements, contrasting with measures being implemented by Microsoft and Sony for their respective consoles.
Mozilla, Stop Killing Games and more team up to tell the UK to stop making the internet worse
Mozilla, Stop Killing Games, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation are among 19 organizations urging the UK government to reconsider its approach to internet regulation. They argue that recent legislation, like the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act, undermines the open internet and employs overly restrictive measures rather than focusing on user safety by default. The groups express concern that intrusive age verification processes could become mandatory for all users.
