05-22-2011, 01:54 AM
COPPA is actually meant to protect kids--it requires websites that collect personal information from them (or that allow them to share it in a forum/chat) to get their parent's permission first, and also restricts what they can do with that info. Some sites to this via email or regular mail, but in practice it's easier just to ban anyone under 13. Complying with COPPA isn't required, but if you comply you get to put a big "COPPA Compliant - Kid Safe" banner on your site that makes soccer moms smile.