Microsoft has agreed to pay a $20 million fine to the US Federal Trade Commission to settle charges that it violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting the personal information of minors who signed up to the Xbox gaming service without notifying their parents or gaining parental consent.
Unlike PC games, which typically don't ask for much more than a functional internet connection, Xbox consoles require an Xbox Live account to play online. Basic accounts are free to set up, but of course you have to enter all sorts of personal information in the process, including your full name, address, phone number, and all that sort of thing. There are different types of accounts for different age groups, including Child accounts, which are restricted accounts affiliated with specific Adult accounts for people under the age of 13.
