Washington –The Computer & Communications Industry Association has submitted comments on Colorado Privacy Act rules governing children’s online data. In its response to the Colorado attorney general’s request for input, CCIA emphasized the importance of preserving access to information and freedom of expression even for younger internet users as required by the First Amendment, while noting that protecting younger users is crucial.
CCIA asked that controllers be able to treat a parent’s decision to turn on a feature that is off by default as affirmative consent, just as they can for minors. CCIA noted that system design feature regulations must be written carefully so Colorado students can scroll to the next chapter in the online edition of a book, and online services should still be able to suggest additional books or videos on a historical topic a student might be researching.
The following can be attributed to Aodhan Downey, West Regional State Policy Manager at CCIA:
“Protecting children online is a shared goal, and companies are incentivized to do so. We want to ensure that new regulations don’t require companies to protect additional private data on all internet users at a time when both online services and states are aiming to minimize data collection. We appreciate the opportunity to offer input and look forward to working with regulators.”
