Amazon Faces FTC Complaint Alexa Illegally Collected Kids’ Data

  • Company accused of collecting data without parental consent
  • Justice Department could file case as soon as next month

An Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition smart speaker.

Photographer: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
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Federal regulators are expected to sue Amazon.com Inc. over allegations that the e-commerce giant illegally collected data on children, according to two people familiar with the case.

The Federal Trade Commission recommended filing a complaint that Amazon’s Alexa-powered speakers are collecting information about children under the age of 13 without parental consent in violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss a pending case. The Justice Department could file on the FTC’s behalf as soon as next month.