Important disclaimer: While religious non-profits are technically exempt from COPPA for non-commercial activities, the FTC encourages following the rule’s provisions as a best practice for sites directed at children or known to be used by them. An email address is considered “online contact information” and is covered by COPPA if collected from a child under 13. Therefore, adhering to these guidelines is a sound ethical and privacy practice.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) guidelines for Our Divided World Ministry
1. No newsletter subscriptions for children under 13
We do not knowingly accept newsletter subscription sign-ups from individuals under 13 years of age. Our subscription form is a tool for adults and older teens, and we advise all users under 13 not to use it.
2. Procedure for accidental collection from minors
If a child under 13 provides their email address for a newsletter subscription, we will follow these steps:
- We will send a one-time email to the address provided, informing them that we have deleted their information from our database and will not be re-contacting them.
- This email will explain that our website is for adults and older teens and that we do not collect personal information from children under 13.
- The email will link to our website’s full privacy policy for reference.
- Their email address will not be used for any other purpose and will be securely deleted from our records immediately.
3. Direct notice to parents
If we have a feature specifically directed at children under 13 that would involve a newsletter (e.g., a kids’ section), we would first provide a direct notice to parents explaining:
- We have collected their online contact information to obtain their consent.
- Their consent is required for us to send any newsletter or regular communication.
- The parent can refuse their consent, and we will delete their and their child’s contact information.
- We will provide a link to our full privacy policy.
4. Verifiable parental consent for children’s newsletters
For any ministry-related activity involving regular contact via email with children under 13, such as a children’s ministry email list, we will obtain verifiable parental consent. Methods for achieving this may include:
- A signed consent form sent to us via mail or email.
- Use of a payment method that provides identity verification.
- A “double email” opt-in, where a parent responds to an email and we confirm their consent by letter or a follow-up email.
5. Parental rights
Parents of children under 13 have the right to:
- Review any information collected from their child.
- Request that their child’s information be deleted.
- Revoke their consent at any time and prohibit any further collection of their child’s information.
6. Data security
We will take reasonable steps to maintain the security and confidentiality of any email addresses or other information collected on our site, and we will delete information when it is no longer necessary.
7. Third-party disclosure
We do not share your email address or any other information with third parties. Contact information
For any questions regarding our privacy practices or to exercise your parental rights, please contact us at: info@ourdividedworld.com.