FTC proposes changes to COPPA Safe Harbor program

The Federal Trade Commission has announced it is seeking comment on proposed changes to TRUSTe's safe harbor program under the agency’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA). A notice will be published shortly in the Federal Register of proposed changes to the existing safe harbor program, including the addition of a new requirement that participants conduct an annual internal assessment of third-parties' collection of personal information from children on their websites or online services. Among the questions on which the Commission is seeking comment is whether the mechanisms used to assess compliance with the proposed modified program requirements are effective. The comment period will last for 30 days, until May 24.