Kidscom.com

KidsCom.com is a virtual world geared toward kids ages 8-14. KidsCom.com is published by Circle 1 Network, LLC in Milwaukee, WI and was first launched in 1995 as a site for kids. After receiving new capital in 2006, Circle 1 Network used those funds to enhance and expand KidsCom.com – a site that the company describes as safe, fun and educational. [ [http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/688408/milwaukee_web_developer_will_use_new_funds_to_enhance_kidscom/index.html Milwaukee Web Developer Will Use New Funds to Enhance KidsCom Site - Technology - redOrbit ] ]

As a result of those funds, the virtual world was launched in 2007 and currently has over 1 million users. The site also has the CARU seal of approval confirming that the information practices of KidsCom, have been reviewed and meet the standards of the Children’s Advertising Review Unit’s Kid’s Privacy Safe Harbor Program. [ [http://www.caru.org/caru.asp?ID=234302007 CARU Kid's Privacy Safe Harbor Seal Cofirmation Page ] ] KidsCom.com gives kids an opportunity to learn more about climate change while playing games, taking care of a virtual pet, and making new friends. [ [http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1009/p18s02-hfks.html Use the worldwide Web to go green | csmonitor.com ] ]

Membership

KidsCom.com (www.kidscom.com) offers two types of membership, Subscription and Free:

Free Members are called “Allies” and are shown on the screen in white t-shirts and black pants. They have the ability to chat and interact with much of the site content, but they cannot purchase clothing, do not have a house, and cannot be Team Leaders for the Team Challenges.

Subscription Memberships are available at a monthly, quarterly or yearly rate. These members are referred to as “Idea Seekers” and can be Team Leaders for the Team Challenges, can purchase and wear clothing and other accessories, have access to a wider variety of virtual pets, have a house which they can buy furniture for and decorate. [ [http://www.my.kidscom.com/jsp_a01_mkc/jsp_a01_b04_mis/jsp_a01_b04_c01_registration/faq.jsp Club for kids, play games, chat online, newsletter for kids, plant babies - Fun KidsCom Club ] ]

History - KidsCom.com and the FTC

KidsCom was one of the earliest kids-only sites on the Internet, having been online since February 1995. [ [http://www.wiredsafety.org/law/kids/privacy.html Internet Safety, Help and Education : Law, Kids ] ] On May 13, 1996, the Center for Media Education (CME) filed a petition requesting that the Federal Trade Commission investigate and bring a law enforcement action for alleged deceptive practices in the operation of an Internet Web site called “KidsCom,” then operated by SpectraCom, Inc. [ [http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1997/07/kidscom.shtm Center for Media Education ] ]

The FTC decided not to bring any charges or enforcement action against KidsCom.com for the following reasons:First, KidsCom has modified its Web site in significant respects. KidsCom now sends an e-mail to parents when children register at the site, providing notice of its collection practices. Parents are provided with the option to object to release of information to third parties on an aggregate, anonymous basis. Most importantly, KidsCom does not release personally identifiable information to third parties without prior parental approval. KidsCom also now discloses to the site visitor the purposes for which it is collecting the information. Second, there was no evidence that KidsCom at any time released any personally identifiable information to third parties for commercial marketing or any other purposes.Third, the collection of information from children on the Internet is widespread.The staff of the Center for Media Education determined not to recommend that the FTC initiate a law enforcement action against KidsCom. [ [http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1997/07/kidscom.shtm Center for Media Education ] ]

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