Latest news with #COPPA
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Lexia Solutions Earn iKeepSafe Data Privacy Certifications
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Safeguarding student data is a top priority for K-12 districts and schools. To support educators in meeting complex data privacy regulations, Lexia, a Cambium Learning Group brand, today announced that three of its digital curriculum solutions – Lexia Core5 Reading, Lexia PowerUp Literacy, and Lexia English Language Development – have earned iKeepSafe Data Privacy Certifications. Lexia Core5 Reading, Lexia PowerUp Literacy, and Lexia English Language Development have earned the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) certification and Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) certification from iKeepSafe. iKeepSafe is a nonprofit that provides third-party assessment and certifies digital products as compliant with state and federal requirements for handling protected personal information. The iKeepSafe FERPA Certification demonstrates compliance with the federal mandates as well as iKeepSafe's rigorous guidelines. The iKeepSafe COPPA Safe Harbor Certification program ensures that practices surrounding the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of personal information from children under the age of 13 are consistent with the principles and requirements of COPPA. 'Lexia is dedicated to adhering to data privacy standards, and we are proud that our solutions are now iKeepSafe certified,' said Lexia President Nick Gaehde. 'This independent verification not only makes it easier for districts and schools to find trusted solutions for their classrooms, but it allows them to show families that the programs students use are safe and secure.' Lexia Core5 Reading, Lexia PowerUp Literacy, and Lexia English Language Development help all students read, write, and speak with confidence. Each product is backed by a diverse and comprehensive body of evidence. About Lexia Lexia®, a Cambium Learning® Group brand, is transforming literacy education, driving change in 1 of every 3 school districts across the United States. For more than 40 years, Lexia has been a thought leader in literacy education, delivering award-winning, research-based solutions grounded in the science of reading. With a full spectrum of offerings, including professional learning, curriculum, and embedded assessment tools, Lexia provides educators with Structured Literacy solutions that are proven effective and designed to drive meaningful literacy outcomes. By empowering educators with unparalleled ease of use and the knowledge and tools they need, Lexia helps more students unlock their potential to read, write, and speak with confidence. For more information, visit About Cambium Learning Group Cambium Learning Group is the education essentials company, providing award-winning education technology and services for K-12 educators and students. With an intentional collection of respected global brands, Cambium serves as a leader, helping millions of educators and students feel more seen, valued, and supported every day. In everything it does, the company focuses on the elements that are most essential to the success of education, delivering simpler, more certain solutions that make a meaningful difference right now. To learn more, visit or follow Cambium on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. The Cambium family of brands includes: Cambium Assessment®, Lexia®, Learning A-Z®, ExploreLearning®, and Time4Learning®.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Patrick Kennedy Slams ‘Addiction-for-Profit' Social Media and Gambling Companies: ‘We Are Losing the Fight'
The United States is failing its children by failing to protect them from addictive products, former Rep. Patrick Kennedy told 'Meet the Press' host Kristen Welker Sunday. 'We've got to stop all of these intrusive addiction-for-profit companies from taking our kids hostage. That's what they're doing,' Kennedy charged. The solution, he added, is to fight. Welker and Kennedy focused on the Kids Online Safety Act Sunday, which proponents argue would require social media platforms to take the safety of children under 16 more seriously. Concerns about censorship as a result of the proposed bill have been raised by both First Amendment advocacy groups and LGBTQ+ communities. 'Our country is falling down on its own responsibility as stewards to our children's future. We are commercializing marijuana across the country,' Kennedy told Welker. 'How in the world, with kids' anxiety rates and depression rates, does it make sense to add to the addiction crisis by having more access — you know, access to addiction products?' Sports betting is another problem, he added. 'Our states are becoming addicted to the revenue of sports betting. And I can guarantee you, just like you're playing that story about that young woman who's getting targeted, we already know the algorithms for these betting companies are targeting people who are high risk. And we are gonna see a high correlation between people with gambling addiction and suicide.' 'And so what I'm saying, Kristen, is we can't just pass these bills,' Kennedy added. 'We've got to stop all of these intrusive addiction-for-profit companies from taking our kids hostage. That's what they're doing. This is a fight. And we are losing the fight because we're not out there fighting for our kids to protect them from these businesses that their whole profit motive is, 'How am I going to capture that consumer and lock them in as a consumer?'' As Welker pointed out, the last time the issue of online safety and children was addressed by Congress was in 1998 when the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was passed. Welker noted the lengthy period of time that has transpired since and asked Kennedy why the issue hasn't been addressed more frequently. 'Well, the power of the social media giants and their money, there's going to be a bigger settlement by Meta and all the big social media companies than even was tobacco or Purdue combined,' he answered. 'You know, fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. We, as a country, have seen these companies and industries take advantage of the addiction-for-profit. Purdue, tobacco. Social media's the next big one. And unfortunately, it's going to have to be litigated. We have to go after the devastating impact that these companies are having on our kids.' The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association have called on Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. The proposed bill also had the support of former President Joe Biden, who wrote in July 2024, 'There is undeniable evidence that social media and other online platforms contribute to our youth mental health crisis. Today our children are subjected to a wild west online and our current laws and regulations are insufficient to prevent this. It is past time to act.' Speaker of the House Mike Johnson slowed the progress of the bill in December. 'Look, I'm a lifelong advocate of protection of children…and online safety is critically important…but we also have to make sure that we don't open the door for violations of free speech,' he advised Republicans at the time. The post Patrick Kennedy Slams 'Addiction-for-Profit' Social Media and Gambling Companies: 'We Are Losing the Fight' | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pixalate Discovers 286 US-Based Mobile Apps in the Google & Apple App Stores Violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), Endangering the Privacy of Up to 18 Million Children
Pixalate releases complete list of 286 U.S.-registered and advertising enabled apps that likely violate COPPA; research reveals 72% of the identified apps share U.S. consumers' location data with advertisers London, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pixalate, the global market-leading ad fraud protection, privacy, and compliance analytics platform, today released the Q1 2025 State Of Children's Privacy On Mobile Apps Report, part of its COPPA Violation Risks in Mobile Apps series. The report highlights app developers on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store that are at risk of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for gathering children's personal information through likely child-directed apps without a compliant privacy policy,* as assessed by Pixalate. According to Pixalate's analysis, 100% of these likely child-directed and advertising enabled** apps shared US consumers' personal information with advertisers via the advertising bid stream. Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Background COPPA requires operators of apps (in this case, app developers) that collect, use, or disclose personal information from children to post an online privacy policy. To be COPPA compliant, the privacy policy must disclose (16 C.F.R. § 312.4 (d) (1-3): The name, address, telephone number, and email address of all operators collecting or maintaining personal information through the app; A description of what information the operator collects from children, including whether the operator enables children to make their personal information publicly available, how the operator uses such information, and the operator's disclosure practices for such information; The procedures by which a parent can review or have deleted the child's personal information and refuse to permit its further collection or use. For Pixalate's compliance technology to classify a likely child-directed app as potentially non-compliant with the COPPA Rule, one or more of the following deficiencies must be identified: No privacy policy URL was detected in the app stores. A URL claiming to link to a privacy policy was detected in the app stores, but neither the page it led to nor any linked pages (in headers / footers) were identified as privacy policies by Pixalate's compliance technology. A privacy policy URL was detected, but it likely did not meet the disclosure obligations of the COPPA Rule, according to Pixalate's analysis. Key State Of Children's Privacy On Mobile Apps Report Findings Compliance Issues: 17% (286) of the identified advertising enabled and likely child-directed mobile apps were likely non-compliant with COPPA 17 mobile apps did not have a detectable privacy policy Missing Disclosures: 79% (225) of the identified mobile apps with ads lacked a Children's Privacy disclosure – a requirement under the COPPA Rule Sensitive Data Concerns: 53% (153) of the mobile apps with ads that were likely non-compliant under COPPA requested sensitive data permissions, such as location, camera access, audio, etc. Data Sharing Risks: 72% (207) of the identified likely non-compliant ad-enabled mobile apps in the Google Play and Apple App Stores shared US consumers' location data with advertisers in the ad bid stream Top 5 US-Registered Likely Non-Compliant Mobile Apps under COPPA - Apple App Store Rank App Developer Developer Country # Estimated US Consumers 1 7 Little Words Blue Ox Family Games, Inc. UNITED STATES 223K 2 Magic Jigsaw Puzzles－Games HD XIMAD, Inc. UNITED STATES 217K 3 Word Maker - Puzzle Game NewPubCo, Inc UNITED STATES 122K 4 Just Blocks: Wood Block Puzzle NewPubCo, Inc UNITED STATES 44K 5 Art of Puzzles - Jigsaw Games XIMAD, Inc. UNITED STATES 22K Top 5 US-Registered Likely Non-Compliant Mobile Apps under COPPA - Google Play Store Rank App Developer Developer Country # Estimated US Consumers 1 Magic Jigsaw Puzzles－Games HD ZiMAD UNITED STATES 237K 2 7 Little Words Blue Ox Family Games, Inc. UNITED STATES 139K 3 Art of Puzzles－Jigsaw Pictures ZiMAD UNITED STATES 85K 4 KidsFlix for TV Gary L Peskin UNITED STATES 47K 5 Magic Diamond Painting－Gem Art ZiMAD UNITED STATES 29K For this report, Pixalate's legal and data science teams analyzed the privacy policies of over 24K likely child-directed apps enabled for programmatic advertising (e.g., has ad impressions targeted towards US Consumers). These apps were available for download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in Q1 2025. For the complete list and the methodology, download the report here. *References to 'without a privacy policy/policies' or 'no detected/detectable privacy policy/policies' imply that Pixalate's proprietary systems were unable to detect or identify a purported privacy policy/notice URL at the time of crawling the App Stores pursuant to Pixalate's proprietary privacy policy detection and classification system. Based on Pixalate's methodology and analysis, all of the identified apps generally exhibit characteristics aligned with the child-directed factors under the COPPA Rule, suggesting that these apps likely appeal to, or may predominantly be used by, children. **References to advertising-enabled mobile apps, or apps with ads are those that have open programmatic advertising traffic, with ad impressions targeted towards United States based consumers at the time of crawling. To learn more, please review the report's methodology. About Pixalate Pixalate is a global platform specializing in privacy compliance, ad fraud prevention, and digital ad supply chain data intelligence. Founded in 2012, Pixalate is trusted by regulators, data researchers, advertisers, publishers, ad tech platforms, and financial analysts across the Connected TV (CTV), mobile app, and website ecosystems. Pixalate is accredited by the MRC for the detection and filtration of Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT). Disclaimer The content of this press release, and the Q1 2025 State of Children's Privacy on Mobile Apps Report (the 'report') - including all content set forth herein, reflect Pixalate's opinions with respect to the factors that Pixalate believes can be useful to the digital media industry, inclusive of advertisers, advertising technology companies, developers of mobile applications, professional advisors, non-governmental entities, and regulators. Pixalate is sharing this report's data–and opinions relating thereto–not to impugn the standing or reputation of any entity, person, or app, but, instead, to report opinions and suggest trends pertaining certain apps available for download via the Apple App Store & Google Play Store during the time period studied. Any data shared is grounded in Pixalate's proprietary technology and analytics, which Pixalate is continuously evaluating and updating. Any references to outside sources should not be construed as endorsements. Pixalate's opinions are just that, opinions, which means that they are neither facts nor guarantees. It is important to note that the mere fact that an app appears to be directed to children or is deemed likely child-directed (e.g., data subjects under 13 years of age, as defined by COPPA), does not mean that any such app, or its operator, is failing to comply with COPPA. Further, with respect to apps that appear to be directed to children and have characteristics that, in Pixalate's opinion, may trigger related privacy obligations and/or risk, such assertions reflect Pixalate's opinions (i.e., they are neither facts nor guarantees); and, although Pixalate's methodologies used to render such opinions are derived from automated processing, which at times is coupled with human intervention, no assurances can be – or are – given by Pixalate with respect to the accuracy of any such opinions. CONTACT: Nina Talcott ntalcott@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kidoz Welcomes Strengthened COPPA Rule as a Win for Families and Safe Compliant Advertising
VANCOUVER, BC / / May 14, 2025 / Kidoz Inc. (TSXV:KDOZ) (the "Company"), mobile AdTech developer and owner of the market-leading Kidoz Contextual Ad Network ( the Kidoz Publisher SDK and the Kidoz Privacy Shield, applauds the Federal Trade Commission's ("FTC") updated Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), which takes effect June 23, 2025. The updated rule brings clarity and modernization to the regulatory framework that was originally conceived for a world without apps or streaming. The updated COPPA rule has a number of important implications to Kidoz including the confirmation of contextual targeting as a safe and viable way to advertising to children. The FTC also released important updates on audience definitions and enforcement. "The FTC update doesn't just modernize COPPA, it sets an enforceable bar for compliance and transparency in kids' digital experiences," said Jason Williams, CEO of Kidoz. "The Kidoz mission it to create a safe global advertising ecosystem based on the principle of privacy and we're proud to offer brands, developers, and families a compliant and high-performance solution. Kidoz technology is certified under PRIVO's FTC approved COPPA Safe Harbor and has been awarded PRIVO's GDPRkids™ Privacy Assured Shield." "Kidoz builds privacy first advertising infrastructure based on the foundation of strict COPPA compliance with zero use of behavioral or personal data. The FTC's COPPA update reinforces the privacy requirements that exactly align with our long-standing practices." According to Claire Quinn, PRIVO's CPO, the Rule update brings new requirements for consent in relation to advertising practices. "The FTC has clarified the requirements around consent for advertising to children. Kidoz provides a compliant solution for engaging with children that allows apps to generate revenue without harms and risks to younger users. It's a much needed solution that promotes a healthier ecosystem for kids and families." Key FTC Updates to the COPPA Rule in relation to Kidoz: Increased Importance of Age Screening for Mixed-Audience Publishers The new rule formalizes how platforms must handle "mixed audience" classifications, requiring neutral age screening before collecting any personal data. Kidoz will have the opportunity to grow with new partners who begin to segment their traffic with age gates. Confirmation of Contextual Ads as a Viable, Compliant Model The FTC reaffirmed that contextual advertising remains permissible without parental consent, as long as no other personal identifiers are collected. Kidoz contextual-only targeting technology is confirmed as compliant. Enhanced Oversight of Safe Harbor Programs The FTC has introduced requirements for Safe Harbor programs to disclose their membership lists and report additional information to the FTC. The rule also closes loopholes in how audience targeting and consent responsibilities are defined - particularly around actual knowledge and data minimization. Kidoz's non-compliant competitors will be at greater risk of detection. Heightened Scrutiny of Data Partner Integrations Although not directly targeted, the FTC emphasized responsibility for data shared with third parties, including ad tech partners. Kidoz operates with complete data transparently and encourages all partners to scrutinize the data connections for potential COPPA infractions. About Kidoz Inc. (TSXV:KDOZ) ( is a global AdTech software company and the developer of the Kidoz Safe Ad Network, delivering privacy-first, high-performance mobile advertising for children, teens, and families, whose mission is to keep children safe in the complex digital advertising ecosystem. Through its proprietary Kidoz SDK, Privacy Shield, and advanced contextual targeting tools, Kidoz enables safe, compliant ad experiences that adhere to COPPA, GDPR-K, and global standards, without using location or personally identifiable information data tracking commonly used in digital advertising. The Kidoz platform helps app developers monetize their apps with safe and relevant ads, while uniting brands and families in a compliant mobile ecosystem. Google-certified and Apple-approved, the Kidoz network reaches hundreds of millions of users monthly, and is trusted by leading brands including Mattel, LEGO, Disney, and Kraft. Kidoz offers both managed and programmatic media solutions, including SSP, DSP, and Ad Exchange capabilities and provides a platform for mobile app publishers to monetize their active users through display, rich media, and video ads. Trusted by top brands and developers, Kidoz runs campaigns in over 60 countries and generates the majority of its revenue from AdTech advertising. The Company also operates Prado, its wholly owned over-13 division. For brands, Prado enables scaled access with high quality inventory and audience engagement across teens, families, and general audiences. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by the company) contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to anticipated future success of the company. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the company. For a description of additional risks and uncertainties, please refer to the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, readers should read the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the SEC and the Annual Financial Statements and Management Discussion & Analysis filed on SEDAR on April 24, 2025, and the prospectus filed under Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act on March 9, 2005 and the SB2 filed July 17, 2007, and the TSX Venture Exchange Listing Application for Common Shares filed on June 29, 2015 on SEDAR, for a more thorough discussion of the Company's financial position and results of operations, together with a detailed discussion of the risk factors involved in an investment in Kidoz Inc. For more information contact:Henry BromleyCFOir@ 374-2163 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Kidoz Inc. 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TechCrunch
14-05-2025
- Politics
- TechCrunch
The Kids Online Safety Act is back, with the potential to change the internet
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has been reintroduced into Congress. If passed into law, this bill could impose some of the most significant legislative changes that the internet has seen in the U.S. since the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998. As it currently stands, KOSA would be able to hold social media platforms legally accountable if it's proven that these companies aren't doing enough to protect minors from harm. The bill includes a long list of possible harms, such as eating disorders, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, and suicide. Though it overwhelmingly passed through the Senate last year, the bill was stifled in the House. KOSA has faced much backlash since its introduction in 2022. Human rights groups like the ACLU raised concerns that the bill could be weaponized as a tool for censorship and surveillance. While amendments to KOSA have mitigated some of these concerns, groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Fight for the Future have remained against the bill. 'The bill's authors have claimed over and over that this bill doesn't impact speech. But the Duty of Care is about speech: it's about blocking speech that the government believes is bad for kids,' Fight for the Future wrote in a statement. 'And the people who will be determining what speech is harmful? They are the same ones using every tool to silence marginalized communities and attack those they perceive as enemies.' However, KOSA has garnered support from companies like Microsoft, Snap, and X; X CEO Linda Yaccarino even worked with Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) on the most recent draft of the bill. Google and Meta have remained opposed to the bill, but Apple announced today that it will support the legislation. 'Apple is pleased to offer our support for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Everyone has a part to play in keeping kids safe online, and we believe [this] legislation will have a meaningful impact on children's online safety,' Timothy Powderly, Apple's Senior Director of Government Affairs, said in a statement. Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW
