Online Privacy

       Throughout this whole web publishing class, we have discussed the issue of online safety. The importance of online safety and privacy is increasing with more of our information being on the Internet. Options such as PayPal that hold our credit card information and addresses are an easy way for someone access your bank account or other personal data.

       Currently it is under discussion whether pre-tweens should be able to have an online account before the age of 13.  An online article about Facebook claims how the maker Mark Zuckerberg, believes that there are educational benefits from being on a social network so early on. Numerous kids across America believe that having a social network account will lead to better jobs, better social and interactive skills. This proposes a problem with online privacy. New questions are proposed such as how can we as parents protect our children on the web?

Nowadays kids can put a false age on their accounts allowing them to have a Facebook account. However; Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act or COPPA, prevent sites that collect personal user information to the younger generation. This act went into effectiveness on April 21, 2000. The new rules on COPPA spell out what a Web site operator must include in a privacy policy, when and how to seek verifiable consent from a parent and what responsibilities an operator has to look after children's privacy and safety online.

       According to the Federal Trade Commission staff they prepared a guide that would help users to agree with the new requirements for protecting children and their privacy along with the privacy of their families. Certain under age children must put in their parents consent when working online. This can then be dangerous for the protection of the parent’s information. Zuckerberg does not want this act to go into play because it will lead his younger groups of kids from joining the Facebook family.
In addition to this I believe that the reaction of the parents to this act would agree. Most parents these days are not aware of what their children are doing so now they actually have control since this act passed, it will be that much more difficult for their kids to be online. When online it could be a dangerous environment for kids before the age of 13 because the maturity level is still not there. Being online is a privilege before the age of 13. There is no need to risk the safety and privacy of those who are not old enough to be online.