Q: Hedy M asks whether authors who are promoting books to minors should put an email sign-up form on their website and whether there any legal considerations.
A: An email sign-up form an important tool in allowing authors to build a mailing list and keep in touch with readers and potential book buyers. Most authors use blog-based websites and place the sign-up form in the sidebar so that it appears on all pages of the website.
In the United States there are federal regulations regarding collecting personal information about children under the age of 13. Websites designed for children (and websites geared to a general audience that knowingly collect information from people under 13) must comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.
This page on the Federal Trade Commission website has information about compliance. Because these regulations are so complex, it may be best to place a notice on your email sign-up form stating that only people who are 13 years or older may sign up. See paragraph 14 on this page.
This article is for informational purposes only. Consult an attorney for legal advice.
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