Websites Allegedly Use Kids as Marketers
McDonald’s, General Mills, Subway, Nickelodeon and the Cartoon Network could all be violating online privacy rules designed to protect children.
On Wednesday, the Center for Digital Democracy, the Center for Science in the Public Interest and other consumer, privacy and children’s advocacy groups plan to file five separate complaints against the companies with the Federal Trade Commission.
The organizations allege that the businesses are engaging in marketing practices clearly at odds with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The rules limit the personal information that online advertisers can knowingly collect about children under 13, generally by requiring parental consent before doing so.
“These companies are trying to make an end run around Coppa,” said Laura Moy, an attorney at the Georgetown University Law Center representing the Center for Digital Democracy. “They’re getting kids to facilitate viral marketing campaigns.”
If your child had his or her privacy rights violated, you are urged to contact the law offices of Audet & Partners at 800.965.1461 to speak to an attorney. The call is free, and there is no obligation. You may also email us by using the simple form that appears on the right-hand side of this page.
Act now, as delays can harm your case.
