Home / Kids' Safety / Safety Guide / Get Privacy-Wise / Violation of a privacy policy

Violation of a Privacy Policy

What if a Web site fails to abide by their privacy notice? What if they're failing to abide by the law?

If you believe a Web site is collecting or using your child's information in a that is inconsistent with their posted privacy policy or against the law, there are several things you can do:

• First, contact the person at the Web site responsible for privacy and tell him or her what you would like to do. The Web site's privacy policy should tell you how to contact this person.
• Second, if the Web site fails to respond to your request, look to see if the Web site participates in a privacy "seal" program from firms such as BBBOnLine, TRUSTe, and CPA WebTrust.

  What is a "seal" and how can you use it?. These "seal" organizations can often help you address your concern with the Web site -- but only if the Web site participates in their program.

• Third, if the Web site does not respond within a reasonable amount of time, and if it does not participate in a seal program, you can contact law enforcement if you believe the site has violated the law.

  How to contact law enforcement:
  1. Federal Trade Commission Contact Information FTC Consumer Complaint Form or 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)
  2. State Attorney General's Contact Information www.naag.org/issues/20010724-cc_list.cfm