The New York Times reports on the FTC’s unveiling yesterday of final amendments to its COPPA rule. The revisions expand the types of companies that must gain parental consent to collect data from children under 13 and broaden the definition of “personal data” requiring parental consent before data collection can occur, among other changes. FTC Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen voted against the new rules saying they exceed the scope of the FTC’s authority. Industry advocates say the new rules could discourage sites’ use of ad networks. “There might be overreaction that would limit just general third-party collection of data, which is very useful to businesses and consumers,” said Stuart Ingis of the Direct Marketing Association and the Association of National Advertisers. (Registration may be required to access this story.) Editor’s Note: The IAPP will host a web conference, “COPPA Update—A Close Look at the New Amendments” on January 10, from 1 - 2:30 p.m.
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