Does COPPA Apply to 13-Year-Olds
Short answer
COPPA does not apply to 13-year-olds because the law protects children under 13 by requiring parental consent before collecting their personal information online. When a child turns 13, websites can legally collect data directly from them without needing parental approval under COPPA.
What is COPPA in plain words?
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal law designed to protect the privacy of children younger than 13 when they use websites, apps, or online services. This law requires companies to get verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or sharing personal information from children under 13. Personal information includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, photos, videos, and data like IP addresses or device identifiers that track online behavior. COPPA applies to websites and online services aimed at children or those that knowingly collect information from children under 13. For example, a website offering educational games for kids must have ways to verify a user’s age and get parental consent before collecting any personal data. The law helps parents control their young children’s online privacy while allowing older users to provide consent themselves. Teenagers age 13 and older are not covered by COPPA, which means they can decide to share their information without parental approval under this law.
How does COPPA work with a clear example?
Imagine a company runs an online drawing app called “CreativeKids” that lets children create and share artwork. When a visitor tries to sign up, the app asks for their birthdate. If the child is under 13, CreativeKids must get permission from a parent before collecting any personal information, such as the child’s name or email. The app might send a consent form by email for the parent to sign, or ask for a credit card verification to confirm the parent’s identity. For example, if an 11-year-old named Jake wants to join, CreativeKids will block registration until Jake’s parent gives consent. Once Jake turns 13, CreativeKids can allow him to sign up and collect his information without parental consent because COPPA does not cover users age 13 or older. This example shows how COPPA affects websites by requiring parental approval only for children under 13, while teenagers have more freedom to share information online.
Why does COPPA matter to parents, educators, and website owners?
COPPA matters because it provides legal protections to safeguard young children’s privacy online. Parents gain control over what personal information companies can collect from their children, reducing risks like unwanted advertising, online tracking, or exposure to harmful content. For educators recommending digital tools, knowing which websites comply with COPPA ensures students under 13 are protected while using online resources. Website owners must understand COPPA to avoid fines and legal problems by following age verification rules and parental consent requirements. Complying with COPPA also builds trust with families, which can help businesses grow their user base. Teens age 13 and older are not covered by COPPA, but they should still be cautious about sharing data and pay attention to privacy settings. Overall, COPPA helps create a safer online environment for children, making it essential for parents, teachers, and website operators to know how it works.
What happens with 13-year-olds and COPPA?
COPPA’s protections end when a child turns 13. This means that websites and apps no longer need parental consent to collect personal information from users who are 13 or older. For example, a 13-year-old signing up for a social media platform can provide their own consent without requiring a parent’s involvement under COPPA. However, some websites still impose additional age restrictions or parental controls for teens under 18 for safety or legal reasons. Parents should review the privacy policies of sites their teenagers use to understand what protections remain beyond COPPA. Teens should be encouraged to adjust privacy settings, think critically about what information they share, and report any suspicious behavior. Knowing that COPPA stops applying at 13 helps families understand when online privacy responsibilities shift from parents to teens and service providers.
What specific personal information does COPPA protect, and what does it not cover?
COPPA protects a wide range of personal information collected from children under 13, including:
- Full name, home address, email address, and telephone number
- Photos, videos, and audio recordings that can identify the child
- Geolocation data that reveals where a child is physically located
- Persistent identifiers like cookies, IP addresses, or device IDs used to track behavior online
- Information gathered through forms, surveys, or chats that connect to a specific child
COPPA does not cover all data types or online activities. For instance, it does not regulate data collected from users age 13 or older. It also does not apply to content children access or browse, only to the collection of personal information. Additionally, some information collected during purchases or financial transactions may fall under other laws. Parents and website operators should carefully check privacy policies to understand exactly what data is collected and how it is used. This helps ensure the right protections are in place for children under 13 and clarifies what happens once they reach 13.
How do websites verify age and obtain parental consent under COPPA?
Websites must have clear methods to verify a user’s age and obtain parental consent for under-13 users. Common steps include:
- Asking visitors to enter their date of birth or confirm their age before creating accounts or providing personal information.
- Using age gates that block access or certain features for users under 13 until verification is complete.
- Obtaining verifiable parental consent through methods such as: Sending a consent form to parents via email or mail that must be signed and returned Requesting a small credit card transaction to verify the adult’s identity Conducting a phone call with the parent to confirm consent Checking government-issued identification (less frequent)
For example, a website might require a parent to sign and return a consent form before a child can use chat features or upload photos. Sites often combine these methods with privacy notices explaining what data they collect and how it is protected. These steps make sure parents are informed and approve before children share personal information online, fulfilling COPPA’s legal requirements.
What steps should parents and website operators take now for COPPA compliance and protection?
Parents can protect children by:
- Reviewing privacy policies on websites and apps children want to use, checking for COPPA compliance language.
- Asking children to share what information they enter online and why, teaching them about privacy and safety.
- Using device or browser parental controls to limit access to certain sites or features.
- Encouraging open conversations about online risks and safe sharing habits.
Website operators should:
- Identify if their service collects personal information from children under 13 or is directed at young children.
- Implement reliable age verification and parental consent collection processes before collecting personal data.
- Provide clear, easy-to-understand privacy policies explaining data collection, use, and parental rights.
- Train staff on COPPA compliance requirements and monitor ongoing adherence.
- Keep records of parental consents and be prepared to respond to inquiries or complaints.
For teens 13 and older, parents and operators should still promote good privacy habits and transparent data practices. If questions arise about applying COPPA or handling specific cases, consulting legal resources like the FTC or trusted legal aid organizations can help ensure proper steps are taken.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 13-year-old legally use websites without parental consent under COPPA?
Yes. COPPA allows individuals age 13 and above to provide their own consent online. Websites do not need to get parental approval for collecting information from users who are 13 or older.
Are there other laws protecting teens’ privacy besides COPPA?
Yes. Beyond COPPA, privacy protections may come from state laws, education regulations such as FERPA, or international rules like GDPR. These laws can apply to teens and provide additional safeguards for their personal data.
What should parents do if a website collects information from a child under 13 without consent?
Parents can report the website to the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces COPPA. They can also contact the website directly to request removal of the child’s data and adjust privacy settings to prevent further collection.
How do websites handle users who lie about their age to bypass COPPA?
Many websites rely on self-reported age information, which is not always accurate. Some use stronger verification methods, but no system is perfect. Parents should help children understand why honest reporting protects their privacy and safety online.
Can websites collect anonymous data from children under 13 without parental consent?
COPPA allows collection of anonymous or non-identifiable data that cannot be traced back to a child. If the data can identify or contact the child, parental consent is required before collection.