Today, the staff of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent two letters out to foreign companies reminding them that even though they are based outside the United States, that foreign companies are required to comply with COPPA when their services are directed to children in the United States or they knowingly collect information from children within the United States.
The two foreign companies involved market electronic devices and apps that appear to collect geolocation data from children. The letters were sent to China-based Gator Group Co., Ltd., and Sweden-based Tinitell, Inc. Gator Group advertises an app and a device called the Kids GPS Gator Watch, which it markets as a “child’s first cell phone.” Tinitell has also marketed an app that works with a mobile phone worn like a watch, which is also designed for children. Although Tinitell has stopped selling the devices, they will continue to operate through September 2018. Copies of the letters were also sent to the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, which make the apps available to consumers in their stores.
To read more about the FTC's recent letter, visit their press release HERE.