Is COPPA Still in Effect Today
Short answer
Yes, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is still in effect today. It requires websites and online services directed toward children under 13 to protect their personal information. COPPA ensures that parents have control over what data is collected from their young children online, promoting safer internet use for kids.
What is COPPA in Plain Words?
COPPA, or the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, is a U.S. federal law enacted to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 when they use the internet. It means that websites, apps, and online services designed for kids—or that knowingly collect information from kids—must follow strict rules about gathering and using that information. Simply put, COPPA makes sure that children’s personal details, like their names, email addresses, or even their online activity, aren’t collected or shared without parental permission.
This law was created because young children may not understand the risks of sharing personal data online. COPPA aims to give parents control over their children’s digital footprint, so they can decide what information is collected and how it’s used. For example, if a game app wants to collect a child’s name and email, it must first ask the parent’s permission.
How Does COPPA Work?
COPPA applies to websites and online services that are either specifically aimed at kids under 13 or that knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Here’s a simple example: imagine a cartoon streaming site that knows many of its users are children under 13. Before collecting personal information like names or email addresses, the site must:
- Inform parents about what data is collected and how it will be used.
- Obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting the data.
- Give parents the option to review or delete their child’s information.
- Protect the privacy and security of the data collected.
If the site fails to do these things, it can face penalties from the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces COPPA.
Why Does COPPA Matter for You?
Whether you are a parent, teacher, or just someone using the internet, COPPA matters because it safeguards children’s online privacy. If you have kids, COPPA gives you a say in what personal data companies can collect from your children. For educators and caregivers, understanding COPPA helps you guide children in safer internet use. For website owners and app developers, knowing COPPA ensures you comply with legal requirements and avoid fines.
COPPA also raises awareness about data privacy in general, encouraging all internet users to think about how their information is collected and used. Since children are particularly vulnerable online, COPPA’s protections help create safer digital environments.
What Terms Are Commonly Confused with COPPA?
Several terms are sometimes confused with COPPA, so it helps to clarify:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): This is a European Union law focusing on data privacy for all individuals, not just children. Unlike COPPA, GDPR applies globally to companies handling data from EU residents.
- FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): This law protects the privacy of student education records, but it does not regulate online data collection like COPPA does.
- Children’s Privacy: A general term referring to safeguarding children’s information, which COPPA specifically addresses in the online context.
- Parental Consent: A key concept under COPPA requiring parents to approve data collection from their children.
Understanding these terms helps avoid mixing up different privacy laws and their purposes.
What Should Website Owners Do to Comply with COPPA?
If you run a website or app used by children under 13 or if you collect data from them, you need to follow COPPA’s rules carefully. Here are steps to take:
- Determine if your site is child-directed or if you collect data from kids under 13.
- Provide a clear privacy policy explaining data collection practices.
- Get verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information.
- Allow parents to review or delete their child’s data.
- Implement reasonable security measures to protect data.
- Avoid conditioning participation on providing more data than necessary.
These steps help you stay compliant and build trust with your users. For detailed guidance, consult resources like the FTC’s COPPA compliance guidelines.
What Can Parents Do to Protect Their Kids Online?
Parents play a vital role in protecting children’s online privacy under COPPA. Here’s what parents can do:
- Read privacy policies of websites and apps your child uses. Look for mentions of COPPA compliance.
- Give consent only to trusted sites or services. Be cautious about what information you allow your child to share.
- Teach children about safe internet habits. Explain why personal information should be kept private.
- Use parental control tools and privacy settings. Many devices and apps offer options to limit data sharing.
- Contact sites that violate COPPA or mishandle data. Parents can report violations to the FTC.
Being proactive helps parents protect their children’s online experiences and personal data.
Where Can You Learn More or Get Help?
If you want to understand COPPA better or need help with a specific situation, several resources exist:
- The Federal Trade Commission offers detailed information on COPPA, including compliance tips and consumer advice.
- Legal aid organizations like LawHelp.org or the Legal Services Corporation can provide guidance if you face legal challenges related to online privacy.
- For educators and website operators, websites with official COPPA compliance guidelines can clarify responsibilities.
- If you are concerned about your child’s safety or privacy online, you can also speak with a trusted adult, school counselor, or privacy advocate.
Knowing where to find reliable information ensures you stay informed and protect your rights and those of children online.
Frequently asked questions
Does COPPA protect teenagers aged 13 and older?
No, COPPA specifically protects children under 13. Teenagers 13 and older are generally not covered by COPPA, but other privacy laws or platforms’ policies may apply. Some platforms have separate rules for teens.
What kind of personal information does COPPA regulate?
COPPA covers personal information such as names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, photos, videos, and any data that can identify or contact a child. It also extends to persistent identifiers like IP addresses used to track kids.
Can a website avoid COPPA by claiming it is not child-directed?
A website must also consider whether it knowingly collects personal information from children under 13. Even if not child-directed, collecting such data triggers COPPA compliance requirements.
What happens if a company violates COPPA?
The Federal Trade Commission can impose fines and require corrective actions. Companies may have to delete collected data and change their practices to comply with the law.
How can parents give verifiable consent under COPPA?
Verifiable consent methods include signed consent forms, credit card transactions, phone calls, or other reliable methods that ensure the parent’s approval before data collection.