Random Question 'o' Doom!

[El_Phil]

For any US sharks out there, or anyone who knows:

Why do those registering forms for forums have 'Are you 13 or over?' on them. What exactly is special about being 13. I know/suspect it's a US requirement as (sadly http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif) that's how the internet generally works: Take care of US law and everyone else (barring dictatorships) should be OK.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

Well, I think Shrapnel is in the US - So they'd have to comply with US law.

[Fyron]

There are laws forbidding the collection of personal information from children under the age of 13.

[Colonel]

They use US laws generally on multi nationial corporate website simply because most corprations like that have their home office in the states which means if there site is breaking US law it comes under the juristication of the United States.

[Kamog]

So if you are under 13, could you still join the forum by not entering personal information? Or are you simply not allowed to join?

Didn't somebody here say he's 7 years old? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Fyron]

Here is a really poorly designed web site: http://www.coppa.org/

[Randallw]

I wouldn't say it was badly designed, just minimalist. Its sole purpose is to make available the act so it doesn't need to waste time with elaborate design.

[Fyron]

I was thinking mostly of the color scheme.

[Captain Kwok]

Imperator Fyron said:
I was thinking mostly of the color scheme.

It appears to be default microsoft colours for websites. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif