Well, right up to the point where it is allegedly recording and storing conversation data from children, even after parents try to delete it. That’s according to a complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission last week.

Commercials, a Complaint, and COPPA

All of this puts the Echo Dot Kids Edition within the purview of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, a federal law prohibiting web sites from collecting personal information from children under the age of 13 without parental permission. Under COPPA it must:

  • Post a clear and comprehensive privacy policy on their website describing their information practices for children’s personal information;
  • Provide direct notice to parents and obtain verifiable parental consent, with limited exceptions, before collecting personal information from children;
  • Give parents the choice of consenting to the operator’s collection and internal use of a child’s information, but prohibiting the operator from disclosing that information to third parties;
  • Provide parents access to their child’s personal information to review and/or have the information deleted;
  • Give parents the opportunity to prevent further use or online collection of a child’s personal information; and
  • Maintain the confidentiality, security, and integrity of information they collect from children

“Woefully Deficient,” “Inadequate,” “Unduly Burdensome”

Not so great, right? The complaint (along with several U.S. senators) are asking the FTC to investigate the claims and determine if the Dot Kid’s Edition is violating COPPA. If you’re worried about an internet-enabled device or app harvesting your child’s personal information, contact a local consumer protection attorney.

Related Resources:

  • Find Consumer Protection Lawyers Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
  • App Maker Violates Kids’ Privacy, New Mexico Lawsuit Claims (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)
  • New FTC Online Child Privacy Rules to Take Effect July 1 (FindLaw’s Common Law)
  • Disney Sued for Spying on Kids With Apps (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)

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