Microsoft has agreed to pay $20 million to settle charges brought against it by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for violating children’s privacy rights. The FTC accused the tech giant of illegally collecting personal information from children without parental consent through its Xbox gaming system.
The allegations against Microsoft revolved around the violation of the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). According to the FTC, Microsoft collected personal data from children who signed up for its Xbox system without informing their parents or obtaining their consent. Furthermore, the company was found to be retaining children’s personal information without proper authorization.
In response to the settlement, Microsoft has agreed to implement measures to enhance privacy protections for child users of its Xbox system. The FTC stated that the company will extend COPPA safeguards to third-party gaming publishers with whom Microsoft shares children’s data.
A spokesperson from Microsoft expressed the company’s commitment to complying with the order. They mentioned that the account creation process would be updated, and a data retention glitch discovered within the system would be resolved.
Samuel Levine, the director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, emphasized the significance of the proposed order. Levine stated, “Our proposed order makes it easier for parents to protect their children’s privacy on Xbox, and limits what information Microsoft can collect and retain about kids.” He also highlighted that COPPA regulations are not exempt when it comes to children’s avatars, biometric data, and health information.
Under the COPPA law, online services and websites specifically targeted at children under the age of 13 are required to inform parents about the personal information being collected and obtain verifiable parental consent before using any such data.
The complaint against Microsoft revealed that the company retained data collected from children during the account creation process from 2015 to 2020, even when a parent failed to complete the process.
This settlement serves as a reminder to technology companies that the privacy rights of children must be respected and protected. It underscores the importance of obtaining proper parental consent and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
As technology continues to play a significant role in the lives of children, it is crucial for companies to prioritize privacy and take steps to safeguard the personal information of young users. Strict adherence to laws such as COPPA is essential to ensure that children’s online experiences are safe and their privacy is respected.
Moving forward, it is expected that Microsoft will implement the necessary changes to its systems and processes to prevent similar privacy violations in the future. The settlement serves as a wake-up call to the entire tech industry, emphasizing the need for vigilance and accountability when it comes to protecting the privacy of children in the digital age.
The European Union (EU) is launching investigations into tech giants Apple, Google, and Meta (Facebook’s parent company) over concerns they might not be following a new law designed to promote fair competition in the digital market.
Google Chrome is on the brink of initiating a seismic shift that threatens to reshape the very foundation of the modern internet. The imminent demise…
In a highly anticipated market debut, Reddit stock took off, closing its first day of trading with a staggering 48% surge from its initial public offering (IPO) price of $34 per share. The social media giant’s stock concluded the day at $50.44, propelling its market capitalization to over $8 billion.
In a significant move in Vietnam’s corporate landscape, Vingroup, the country’s largest conglomerate, has completed the sale of a 41.5% stake and other assets in its retail arm, Vincom Retail, for a staggering $1.6 billion. This transaction ranks among the largest mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals in Vietnam in recent years, underscoring the dynamism of the country’s economy and corporate sector.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various facets of healthcare has revolutionized patient care, and its impact on surgery is poised to be profound. Leveraging AI’s capabilities to connect, analyze, and predict based on operating room data holds the promise of enhancing surgical efficiency and clinical decision-making. Recognizing this potential, NVIDIA has partnered with Johnson & Johnson MedTech to explore new AI capabilities within the realm of surgery, with the goal of advancing the company’s connected digital ecosystem for surgical procedures.
Apple is reportedly in discussions with Alphabet, Google’s parent company, regarding the licensing of Google’s “Gemini” artificial intelligence (AI) training model for integration into iPhones.
An Illinois jury has delivered a significant verdict in a case involving Mead Johnson’s Enfamil baby formula, ordering the company to pay $60 million to the mother of a premature baby who died from an intestinal disease after consuming the formula.
In the fast-paced world of software development, innovation is the name of the game. Cognition, a leading tech company, has introduced a groundbreaking solution that promises to transform the industry as we know it: Devin AI, the world’s first AI software engineer. Devin AI is not just another tool in the developer’s toolbox; it’s a game-changer that leverages the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate coding tasks and streamline the development process.
When it comes to acing a job interview, there are certain tactics that can help you stand out and impress prospective employers. From showcasing your passion for the role to demonstrating problem-solving skills, there are plenty of strategies to employ. However, it’s equally important to be mindful of phrases that could raise red flags during the interview process.
The ongoing saga between the United States and ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant behind the popular social media platform TikTok, has taken another turn. With the House approving a bill requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok within roughly six months, the possibility of a forced sale or effective ban looms large.
-
Cultural differences between the East and the West
-
Vietnam received recognition in the 29th World Travel Awards in numerous categories
-
Vietnamese dishes that fascinate foreigners
-
First NFT vending machine in the world is now operational in New York
-
The LEGO Group today began construction on a new $1 billion factory in Binh Duong, Vietnam
-
19 DeFi Startups To Watch