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The Children's Online Privacy Act of 1998 may have some changes coming, and, according to experts, they are very much needed. Kathryn C. Montgomery, professor of communications at American University, testified before Congress last week urging for more safeguards for children's online privacy. Said Mongomery:

"Today’s children are growing up in a ubiquitous digital media environment, where mobile devices, instant messaging, social networks, virtual reality, avatars, interactive games, and online video have become ingrained in their personal and social experience. Members of this generation of young people are, in many ways, living their lives online. With the current expansion of digital media platforms and the growing sophistication of online data collection and profiling, however, it is now critically important that the intent of COPPA be fully implemented to protect young people from new commercial practices in today’s digital media environment."

Her testimony came as the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade of the House Energy and Commerce Committee began hearings on possible changes in COPA of 1998. Whether “surfing, studying, chatting or playing video games, kids today are spending more and more time online,” said Rep. Mary Bono Mack, leader of the subcommittee, in opening comments.

Read Ms. Montgomery's full here, at the Center for Digital Democracy's web site.