No data-mining on kids

[Commentary] Blink and you're left behind in the online-marketing world. That's the dilemma facing the Federal Trade Commission, which is considering catch-up fixes to a 1998 law designed to protect children's privacy on the Internet.

The big firms - Facebook, Apple, Google, Microsoft and Twitter - are opposed to tighter laws. User habits and tastes are the real gold mine in the social-media world, where viewers freely trade personal information as they correspond, search and amuse themselves. If the laws are changed to protect children, then it won't be long before consumer advocates want the same guarantees for everyone, these firms worry. For starters, the federal agency should investigate the extent the problem, a task that likely will show how extensive data mining has become. Then the harder task of devising better rules should begin. Is there an effective way that balances privacy with the cost of running websites that draw young viewers? Apps and online outlets remain free only as long as advertisers believe they're worthwhile, business advocates say. If too many privacy regulations are added, this industry will be damaged. California is pushing ahead on a parallel course. Attorney General Kamala Harris has sent out notices to app developers and websites to better display privacy agreements for all users. In the case of children, Washington's intentions should be clear: A vulnerable and less sophisticated audience needs nearly ironclad privacy protections. It's time to strengthen rules that protect children in the online world.