Firm Accused of Breaking Child Data Law

US analytics firm EchoMetrix has been accused of violating a federal law that restricts the gathering of data about children under the age of 13.

The complaint, filed by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), alleges that Echometrix engages in 'unfair and deceptive' trade practices by collecting and selling information about children's online activity to third parties conducting marketing intelligence research.

Echometrix advertises its Sentry Parental Control Software as providing 'total family protection,' enabling parents to block and filter web sites accessible to their children and set time limits for children's Internet use. Earlier in the year, the firm launched a system called Pulse to monitor tens of millions of unfiltered teen chats on blogs and online communities.

On its web site, Echometrix is clear about its commitment to privacy laws including COPPA (The Child On-Line Privacy Act), saying it has 'a long-standing policy of strict adherence to the laws, policies and guiding principles defined in COPPA'. The site goes on: 'The company NEVER has and NEVER will collect, distribute or sell personal information as defined by COPPA... The company DOES NOT and never has collected, distributed nor sold personal information, of any type, to anyone.'

EPIC, however, says that Echometrix 'surreptitiously' collects information concerning children's online behavior, uses the information to customize the advertising content children see, and transfers information concerning children's browsing and online chats to marketers.

EPIC has asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the company and determine the extent of the threat to consumer privacy and safety. It also seeks compensation for victims, and to ensure that future Echometrix's collection and disclosure practices comply with COPPA (the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act).

In addition, EPIC is seeking an injunction requiring the company to suspend its Pulse service until the company can establish that it complies with federal privacy law.

Web site: www.echometrix.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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