The Children's Advertising Review Unit has referred advertising for Web sites operated by Paws, Inc., to the Federal Trade Commission after the company refused to participate in a self-regulatory process.

Under scrutiny are Garfield-themed Web sites. Following a review by CARU, the regulatory watch dog group determined that the Web sites—Garfield.com, GarfieldGames.com and GarfieldMobile.com—did not employ effective age-screening mechanisms. It also found that Paws violates the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 by permitting the disclosure of children's personal information with parental consent. And that it let children buy mobile phone services without understanding the charges involved or that parental permission to order is required.

Paws said that its attorneys had approved its Web site procedures and have assured the company that it is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Paws also said that it does not want to be contacted by CARU regarding this or any other matter, CARU said.

The Web sites came to CARU's attention through its routine monitoring of advertising directed to children.

CARU is the children's advertising review unit of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

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