In a recent decision, CARU found Snap Inc.’s (Snap) Snapchat app to be compliant with both the CARU Guidelines and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).  “The company goes beyond minimal procedures to prevent under-age use” CARU stated. CARU determined that Snapchat is an app directed to a general audience, not intended for use by children. In reaching this conclusion, CARU considered that Snap’s Terms of Service clearly prohibit users under 13 years of age and makes no effort to market the app to children or provide them with an appealing user experience.  With that understanding, Snapchat is permitted under the Guidelines and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) to age-gate and block children under 13 from using its services, which it does. CARU then examined whether Snapchat does so effectively. CARU observed that Snapchat utilizes age-gates and many safeguards to ensure that if children manage to breach the existing age-...

MRI of adolescent brain activated during a memory task in the NIH study. Credit: Dr. Richard Watts and ABCD/Univ. of VT P.I. Dr. Hugh Garavan. Findings in a study by the National Institutes of Health offer an unexpected challenge to the common-sense notion that all time children spend in front of a screen is equally harmful. The study affirms that children’s consumption of general media, such as Internet, television, and video games, correlates with worse sleep and more family conflict. However, the data also indicates a correlation between greater use of social media, such as texting or scrolling through Instagram posts, with positive effects, such as increased physical activity, less family conflict, and fewer sleep problems. These findings are part of 30 terabytes of data released by the NIH with regard to the first 45 out of a total of 75 youth and their families who participated in the massive brain development study. Read more about this specific aspect of the study on...

CARU attended the Brand Activation Association's (BAA, which is a division of the ANA) 37th Marketing Conference this year in Chicago. There were two days of inspiring and thought-provoking panels from senior lawyers and marketers all about promotional marketing. There were over 750 people in attendance composed of the nation's leading regulators, lawyers, marketers and technology innovators.  Ron Urbach's Epic Annual Address This year's conference was entitled, "Walking the Line: Between Innovation and Regulation." Panels featured heavy hitters in the industry like  Loeb & Loeb's Ken Florin focusing on social and digital media, and  Ronald Urbach , Chairman, of Davis & Gilbert  offering a look at the interplay of marketing and advertising to activate brands. There were two  keynote addresses: one on the future Federal Trade Commission policy and enforcement by   Daniel Kaufman , Deputy Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, F...

Social Media Week begins February 17-21st 2014 in New York City. Industry experts will descend on Manhattan to discuss how new technologies and media platforms are shaping our lives and the marketing world. This year's schedule offers tons of events and ways to network, collaborate and learn from big brands and professionals.  Sign up quickly because many events are already filling up--including a panel CARU will be speaking on, "Advertising and Legal Issues in Social Media: How to Get it Right." The panel will address practical implications of utilizing social media and advertising in the self-regulatory world.  Click HERE for more information about this panel.  This year’s notable speakers include Buzzcar’s Robin Chase, Founder of Zipcar; Steve Case, Founder & CEO of Revolution and Founder of the Case Foundation; John Borthwick, CEO of betaworks; Eli Pariser, CEO of Upworthy; Scott Heiferman, CEO of Meetup; Cindy Gallop, Founder of MakeLoveNotPorn; Jonah Pe...

The Better Business Bureau and Word of Mouth Marketing Association present the new webinar series "Compliant & Successful - Aligning Marketing & Legal Around Word of Mouth & Social Media Marketing."  Today’s social media environment is forcing even the most progressive companies to re-think how to meet changing legal/regulatory requirements while addressing the real time needs of their customers and consumers. For many companies, establishing best practices, policies and protocols are lagging in the wake of the consumer controlled social web.   Webinars will be held July 29, August 3, and August 5 at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT.  CARU will be presenting during Webinar 3 on August 5 at 1pm CST : What is on the Horizon: Privacy, Regulated Industries, Marketing to Children and More. Key Takeaways will include: See how the future of privacy effects your future marketing plans Gain insights into how regulated industries are adapting to today’s ma...