The internet is a vast and exciting space for children, but as they explore apps, games, and websites, their personal information is constantly at risk. That’s where the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) steps in. Enacted in 1998 and enforced by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), COPPA is a critical federal law designed to give parents control over what information is collected from their young children online.
Who is Covered?
COPPA specifically targets the collection of personal data from children under the age of 13. The law applies to:
- Operators of commercial websites and online services (including mobile apps and IoT devices) that are directed to children under 13.
- Operators of general audience sites who have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information from children under 13.
“Personal information” under COPPA is broad, covering everything from a child’s full name, home address, and email to persistent identifiers like IP addresses and geolocation data.
The Core Requirements: Parental Consent is Key
The law outlines a strict set of rules for operators who fall under its jurisdiction, making verifiable parental consent the centerpiece of compliance. Key requirements include:
- Clear Privacy Policy: Operators must post a detailed, clear, and easy-to-understand privacy policy that outlines their information collection, use, and disclosure practices for children’s data.
- Verifiable Parental Consent: Before collecting, using, or disclosing any personal information from a child, the operator must provide direct notice to the parent and obtain verifiable parental consent. This goes beyond a simple checkbox; approved methods often include signed forms, knowledge-based authentication, or using a credit card for verification.
- Parental Rights: Parents must be given the right to:
- Review the personal information collected from their child.
- Revoke consent at any time and refuse any further collection or use of the child’s information.
- Request the deletion of their child’s data.
4. Data Minimization and Security: Companies must only collect information that is reasonably necessary for a child to participate in an activity. They must also establish and maintain reasonable procedures to protect the security and integrity of the collected information.
The Ongoing Challenge in a Dynamic Digital World
While COPPA is a foundational piece of digital privacy legislation, its enforcement remains a constant topic of discussion as the online landscape evolves rapidly. High-profile enforcement actions by the FTC, including multi-million dollar fines against major platforms, demonstrate the seriousness of non-compliance.
Ultimately, COPPA serves as a critical, though constantly challenged, legal framework designed to balance the benefits of the digital age with the fundamental need to safeguard the privacy and well-being of our youngest online citizens.