Prime Sites Inc. has agreed to pay $235,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges it allegedly violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The company, operating under its Explore Talent brand, marketed itself to young actors searching for audition opportunities. The FTC alleged Prime Sites violated COPPA by collecting and disclosing children’s personal information, such as their names, email addresses and telephone numbers, without obtaining parental consent. The company was accused of failing to be transparent with its data collection practices. “Explore Talent collected the personal information of more than 100,000 children, but failed to adhere to the safeguards required by law,” Acting FTC Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen said. “Today’s settlement provides strong relief for consumers and will help ensure children are protected going forward.”
Full Story