The Walt Disney Company has agreed to pay $10 million to settle allegations from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that it violated federal law by enabling the unlawful collection of personal data from children under 13 who viewed kid-directed videos on YouTube. The settlement also requires Disney to overhaul its process for designating videos on the platform and comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule, known as the COPPA Rule, which requires parental notification and consent before collecting personal data on websites, apps and online services directed to children under 13.
This settlement serves as an important reminder of the vulnerabilities in online spaces.
MCASA is proud to play a role in working to keep Maryland children safe online, and advocated for the Maryland Kids Code last year. Signed into law by Governor Wes Moore in May 2024, the Maryland Kids Code limits data collection from children and shields them from unintended harmful content online. Maryland is the second state to enact such measures.
To learn more about how we can all help keep children safe online, you can visit our website.
