What catalogers need to know about consumer privacy regulations.

By Reported Donna Loyle

“These settlements offer food for thought for anyone who operates a Web site that caters to kids,” said Howard Beales, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “If your Web site collects personal information about children, comply with the law or face the consequences.”

So what are the laws? Following is an overview of three federal regulations to which you, as a merchant, may have to comply; the current debates pertaining to e-mail marketing; and some thoughts on safeguarding your company against privacy breaches.