Microsoft recently agreed to pay the United States government $20 million in a settlement for violating the privacy of Xbox users. The settlement resolves allegations that Microsoft violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting and disclosing personal information of children without first obtaining parental consent.

The COPPA requires websites and online services to obtain parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under the age of 13. Microsoft was accused of collecting and disclosing personal information of children without first obtaining parental consent. The company was also accused of failing to provide parents with direct notice of its information practices and failing to provide a way for parents to prevent the further use and collection of their children’s personal information.

The settlement requires Microsoft to pay $20 million to the United States government and to implement a comprehensive COPPA compliance program. The program includes measures such as providing clear and comprehensive notice of its information practices, obtaining parental consent before collecting or using personal information from children, and providing parents with the ability to review and delete their children’s personal information.

Microsoft’s agreement to pay the US government $20 million for violating the privacy of Xbox users is a reminder of the importance of protecting children’s privacy online. Companies must ensure that they are complying with COPPA by providing clear and comprehensive notice of their information practices, obtaining parental consent before collecting or using personal information from children, and providing parents with the ability to review and delete their children’s personal information.

It is also important for parents to be aware of how their children’s personal information is being collected and used online. Parents should take steps to protect their children’s privacy by monitoring their online activities, setting up parental controls, and educating their children about online safety.

Microsoft’s agreement to pay the US government $20 million for violating the privacy of Xbox users is a reminder that companies must take steps to protect children’s privacy online. Parents should also take steps to protect their children’s privacy by monitoring their online activities, setting up parental controls, and educating their children about online safety.