ESRB tackles mobile game child privacy concerns

The Entertainment Software Rating Board has unveiled a new mobile app certification initiative to address online child privacy concerns.

The program has been launched in response to the US Federal Trade Commission’s amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, set to come into effect from July 1st.

The ESRB Privacy Certified services will help companies achieve compliance on the changes which will require developers to be more transparent on their data collection practices, to help ensure personal information remains secure.

The scheme is designed to provide ongoing monitoring and consulting services to identify potential privacy issues in apps and help developers and publishers address any concerns.

ESRB Privacy Certified will conduct two reviews per year on each certified website, as well as conducting spot checks on members’ mobile apps to ensure their privacy policies are up to date.

Other services include solutions for obtaining verifiable parental consent for users aged under 13, a key COPPA Rule requirement, guidance on providing short-form privacy disclosures to mobile users and consultation on privacy policy development.

“Privacy protection is an imperative for companies of all sizes, especially when kids are involved," said ESRB Privacy Certified VP Dona Fraser.

"But achieving compliance with requirements like COPPA can be complicated, particularly for rapidly evolving platforms like mobile.

“By extending our services beyond website operators to include mobile app developers as well, we are helping ensure that their products provide a trustworthy environment for user interaction and information sharing.”

More information can be found at the official website.