Federal Trade Commission March 15, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FTC intends to conduct consumer research to examine the effectiveness of the FTC's current energy labeling requirements for consumer products and obtain information about alternatives to those labels. This activity is part of the Commission's efforts to examine the current labeling program, as required by section 137 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-58). Before gathering this information, the FTC is seeking public comments on its proposed consumer research. Comments will be considered before the FTC submits a request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.

The Federal Trade Commission (``the Commission'') has completed its regulatory review of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (``the COPPA Rule'' or ``the Rule''), which implements the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998. The Rule regulates how Web site operators and others may collect, use, and distribute personal information from children online. The Commission requested comment on the costs and benefits of the Rule and whether it should be retained without change, modified, or eliminated. The Commission also requested comment on the Rule's effect on: information practices relating to children; children's ability to obtain online access to information of their choice; and the availability of Web sites directed to children. Pursuant to this review, the Commission concludes that the Rule continues to be valuable to children, their parents, and Web site operators, and has determined to retain the Rule in its current form. This document discusses the comments received in response to the Commission's request for public comment and announces the Commission's decision to retain the Rule without modification.