Ahead of its push for iPads in the education initiative, Apple has recently updated the App Review Guidelines document by adding new sections and regulations specifically targeting child safety. Among the changes to Apple’s App Review Guidelines is a new rule pertaining to the U.S. government’s expansion of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

The federal statute dictates what information websites and similar entities can collect about children that are under the age of 13 with consent from a parent or guardian. Apple’s regulations bring the App Review Guidelines up to date by disallowing developers to harvest photos, video or audio of an underage user. The following was mentioned regarding the whole ordeal:

A new section describes limitations in respect to apps made specifically for young children. Developers aren’t allowed to include targeted ads and must ask for permission from parents before linking out of the app. Last but not least, the new rules add limitations to gambling apps, especially those that offer in-app purchasing for game credits or currency.

All of the additions and adjustments come ahead of Apple’s iPad in education push, which recently saw the company open up iTunes accounts to children under the age of 13. Previously, iTunes restricted pre-teens from holding personal accounts.

Source: Apple via MacRumors