Here is an article detailing the FTC’s settlement with Disney regarding the collection of children’s personal data:
Disney Reaches $10 Million Settlement with FTC Over Children’s Data Collection Practices
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a significant settlement with The Walt Disney Company, requiring the entertainment giant to pay $10 million to resolve allegations that the company unlawfully collected and retained personal information from children without adequate notice and consent. The announcement was made on September 2, 2025, detailing the terms of the agreement.
The FTC’s investigation focused on Disney’s practices related to its streaming services and apps, where it is alleged that the company gathered more personal information from children than was necessary for its services, and retained this data for extended periods. This action falls under the purview of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a federal law designed to protect the online privacy of children under 13.
According to the FTC’s press release, the settlement aims to address concerns that Disney’s platforms may have collected data such as users’ birthdates, email addresses, and location information from children. The commission stated that these practices potentially violated COPPA by not providing sufficient transparency to parents about the data being collected and how it was being used, nor obtaining verifiable parental consent for certain data collection activities.
The $10 million penalty signifies a strong stance by the FTC in enforcing privacy regulations for minors in the digital age. Beyond the financial penalty, the settlement also imposes new obligations on Disney to strengthen its data privacy policies and practices. These measures are expected to include enhanced transparency with users and parents regarding data collection, stricter controls on data retention, and robust consent mechanisms.
A spokesperson for Disney, in a statement following the settlement, acknowledged the company’s commitment to the privacy and safety of its younger audience. The company expressed its cooperation with the FTC and reiterated its dedication to adhering to all applicable privacy laws and regulations.
This settlement serves as a notable reminder for companies operating in the digital space, particularly those that engage with younger audiences, about the critical importance of complying with children’s privacy laws. It underscores the FTC’s ongoing efforts to safeguard children’s personal information and ensure that online platforms operate with transparency and accountability. The increased scrutiny on data privacy, especially concerning minors, is likely to continue shaping how technology companies develop and manage their services.
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www.ftc.gov published ‘Disney to Pay $10 Million to Settle FTC Allegations the Company Enabled the Unlawful Collection of Children’s Personal Data’ at 2025-09-02 12:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.