Privacy & Information Security Law Blog

On April 19, 2017, the FTC announced that it is seeking public comment on proposed changes to TRUSTe, Inc.’s safe harbor program under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (the “Proposed Changes”). As we previously reported, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced that TRUSTe agreed to settle allegations that it failed to properly verify that customer websites aimed at children did not run third-party software to track users. The Proposed Changes are a result of the settlement agreement between TRUSTe and the New York Attorney General.

Among other changes, the Proposed Changes would require participants in TRUSTe’s safe harbor program to conduct an annual internal assessment of third parties’ collection of personal information from children on their websites or online services. The FTC is seeking comment on the Proposed Changes, including any benefits, costs and alternatives that should be considered. The FTC also is seeking comment on the effectiveness of the mechanisms used to assess compliance with the Proposed Changes.

The Proposed Changes are open for public comment until May 24, 2017.