Singapore-based Chinese video game developer Cognosphere, dba HoYoverse, known for “Genshin Impact,” a role-playing game involving collectible characters with unique fighting skills, has agreed to pay $20 million to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allegations that it violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and deceived players about the cost of winning certain prizes.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act
FTC Announces Updates to COPPA Rule
On January 16, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a press release stating, “The updated [Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)] rule strengthens key protections for kids’ privacy online. By requiring parents to opt [into] targeted advertising practices, this final rule prohibits platforms and service providers from sharing and monetizing children’s data without active…
Details of State of Nebraska and DOJ Complaints Against TikTok
We have previously outlined the risks of using TikTok, the federal and state governments’ ban on it, and the national security risks it presents.
In doing so, we primarily focused on data privacy and security threats to TikTok users. Recently, Nebraska and the U.S. Department of Justice each sued TikTok directly for different allegations…
What’s in the Proposed American Privacy Rights Act?
Congress is once again entertaining federal privacy legislation. The American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) was introduced by Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).
Unlike current laws, the APRA would apply to both commercial enterprises and nonprofit organizations, as well as common carriers regulated by…
Privacy Tip #383 – Strengthening Children’s Privacy
We previously wrote about how toys, baby monitors, and other smart devices collect, use, and disclose personal information about children, and risks to children’s privacy. As adults responsible for the safety of children in our care, learning about how smart devices collect, use, and disclose personal information of children should be a top priority, just…
FTC and CPPA Release Rules to Address AI Risks and Protect Consumer Rights
The rise of AI technology has prompted regulatory agencies to take action and protect consumers’ rights, as evidenced by the recent efforts of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA).
On November 16, 2023, the FTC approved a resolution that authorizes its staff to issue civil investigative demands (CIDs) in…
Google Workspace’s Privacy Policy Is Changing. Are You Ready?
Google’s Workspace for Education will require school admins to independently approve all integrated third-party applications students use. Users under 18 cannot use their Google accounts to access third-party applications without consent configured in user settings. Access will terminate automatically on October 1, 2023. Google Workspace for Education’s Terms of Service does not cover third-party applications…
Epic Games $520 Million Settlement with FTC for Unfair Practices and COPPA Violations
Epic Games $520 Million Settlement with FTC for Unfair Practices and COPPA Violations
In a recent agreement totaling $520 million, Epic Games, Inc. (Epic), maker of the popular Fortnite video game, settled allegations posed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that it violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The FTC’s complaint alleged that…
Privacy Tip #311 – New Mexico AG Serious About Children’s Privacy Protections
New Mexico’s Attorney General, Hector Balderas, continues to champion children’s online privacy protections, this time settling with Google over alleged violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
We previously reported that the AG sued Rovio Entertainment, the maker of Angry Birds, alleging that it violated COPPA by collecting data on players under the…
FTC Takes Aristotle International Off the COPPA Safe Harbor List
In an unusual but significant move, on August 4, 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) removed Aristotle International from the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Safe Harbor List. There were 7 organizations on the list, which were approved by the FTC to self-regulate themselves under COPPA, but with this first removal by the FTC,…