Washington ( CNN ) -- Recognizing that the `` Internet of 2012 is vastly different from a decade ago , '' the Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday announced changes to strengthen privacy for children online `` in this ever-changing technological landscape . '' The revisions to the Children 's Online Privacy Protection Act , also known as the COPPA Rule , which was originally passed in 1998 , will make it more difficult for children 's personal data to be collected by mobile phone apps , smartphones and tablets . Parents will have greater control over the information that websites and online services can collect from children under 13 . Apps , or applications , are software programs that mobile phone users can purchase and install on their devices . `` The new COPPA rule captures the new online reality ... and puts companies on notice that they must comply with the law , '' said Sen. Jay Rockefeller , chairman of the Committee on Commerce , Science and Transportation . Rockefeller , D-West Virginia , told reporters at a Capitol Hill news conference that he 's been `` stewing inside '' about this issue for a while , and he warned that third parties will be held liable for personal information they collect from children . He said third parties also will be held liable `` if they know they are collecting information on websites or apps directed toward children . '' The FTC says one of the proposals will `` close a loophole that allowed kid-directed apps and websites to permit third parties to collect personal information from children through plug-ins ( software ) without parental notice and consent . '' `` Parents should be the gatekeepers to decide whether others can collect information , '' said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz . A recent report by the FTC found that only 20 percent of the apps linked to general disclosure information or a privacy policy before the app was downloaded . Many of the apps shared certain information with third parties , such as device ID , geolocation or phone number without disclosing that fact to parents , the FTC said . Companies could potentially develop detailed profiles about children without a parent 's knowledge or consent . The commission will require website operators and online service providers `` take reasonable steps to release children 's personal information only to companies that are capable of keeping it secure and confidential . '' Another amendment would `` modify the list of 'personal information ' that can not be collected without parental notice and consent . '' `` FTC stands for something , '' said Rep. Ed Markey , D-Massachusetts , a proponent for updated protection rules . `` Today FTC stands for 'For The Children ' across the country . '' Common Sense Media , an organization that provides families with information about kids , media and technology , applauded the new regulations . `` These COPPA updates will provide a stern reminder to companies and developers that they need to do more to build a trustworthy online space for kids and families and ensure that kids can benefit from tech innovation without exploitation , '' said James Steyer , Common Sense Media CEO . The amendments will go into effect on July 1 , 2013 . CNN 's Todd Sperry contributed to this report .
Changes to children 's privacy act target the collection of personal data by apps . Comment: Only 20 % of apps explain what data are collected before download , FTC says .