The FTC action addresses online data collection from child-directed content.
A federal court approved a settlement requiring Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. and Disney Entertainment Operations LLC (Disney) to pay $10 million to resolve allegations that personal data was collected from children viewing child-directed videos on YouTube without proper parental notice or consent.
The complaint, filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) following a referral from the Federal Trade Commission, alleged that certain videos were not correctly labeled as “Made for Kids” (MFK), allowing data collection in violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule).
Under the order, Disney must pay a civil penalty, comply with COPPA requirements, and establish internal procedures to review whether uploaded content should be designated as “MFK.“ The settlement also anticipates the possible use of age-assurance technologies as part of future compliance efforts. Federal officials highlighted that the action reflects enforcement of existing consumer protection rules rather than changes to the law.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For officials in the FTC and DOJ as they enforce online privacy protections for children.
- For Attorney General Pamela Bondi to be discerning as she heads the Justice Department.
- For Chairman Ferguson to be prudent as he presides over the FTC.
- For families to use wisdom when using digital platforms that could potentially collect and use personal information.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission
