Understanding New COPPA Rules
Short answer
The new COPPA rules update how websites and apps protect kids’ online privacy, especially for users under 13. They require clearer parental consent, tighter rules about data collection, and give teens more control over their personal information. These rules help keep your data safer and make online platforms more responsible about protecting young users.
What is COPPA in simple words?
COPPA stands for the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. It is a U.S. law that protects children under 13 years old by limiting how websites and apps can collect their personal information. In plain terms, COPPA makes sure that websites ask for permission from a parent or guardian before collecting data like your name, location, or photos when you are younger than 13. The “new” COPPA rules are updates to this law that reflect changes in technology, the way kids use the internet, and how companies collect data today. These updates add clearer requirements for companies to tell parents exactly what info they want and to get proper consent before collecting it. COPPA is designed to keep younger kids safe online by controlling who can gather their personal details and how those details are used or shared. It’s important because personal information can be misused if it falls into the wrong hands, so COPPA helps prevent that risk for kids.
How do the new COPPA rules work? A detailed example
Imagine a popular social media app that kids use to chat and share videos. Before the new COPPA rules, the app might have asked for parental permission once when a child signed up, then collected a lot of data without explaining clearly what was being collected. Now, under the new rules, the app must:
- Inform parents clearly about exactly what information is collected, such as names, photos, location, or contacts.
- Get verifiable parental consent before collecting any data from children under 13. This might be done by sending a secure email to parents or through a credit card check.
- Limit data collection to only what is necessary for the app to work properly. For example, if the app doesn’t really need your location, it can’t collect it.
- Allow parents to access and delete their child’s data if they want.
- Change how data is handled once a child turns 13, since teens have different privacy rights.
For example, if 11-year-old Mia wants to create a profile, the app sends a detailed consent form to her parent’s email. Her parent reads it, learns exactly what info the app collects and why, and gives permission. Mia’s profile can then be created, but the app only collects what it needs and doesn’t share Mia’s info with advertisers without extra permission. If Mia turns 13, the app updates her status to treat her like a teen user, giving her more control over her data and fewer restrictions. This example shows how the rules work step-by-step to protect kids’ privacy.
Why do the new COPPA rules matter for teens aged 13–17?
While COPPA mainly protects kids under 13, the updated rules also affect teens because turning 13 changes how online services treat you. Once you’re 13 or older, websites no longer need to get parental consent under COPPA to collect your data. This means you have more responsibility and control over your personal information. The new rules encourage companies to be clearer about how they use teen data and give teens better tools to manage their privacy. For example, some sites might let you see what information they have about you, let you delete it, or control who can see your posts.
Understanding this is important because it helps you make smarter choices about what apps or websites you use and how you share information. For instance, if a site asks for your location or phone number once you’re 13, you can decide whether you want to share it or not. Also, knowing your rights can help you spot when a site is not being clear or is asking for too much information, and you can avoid those sites. The new COPPA rules support teen privacy by giving you more say in your digital life, helping you protect yourself from misuse of personal info or unwanted ads.
What terms are often confused with COPPA?
Many people mix COPPA up with other privacy laws or online terms. Here’s a quick guide to avoid confusion:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): This is a privacy law in Europe that protects people of all ages. It’s broader than COPPA and applies to anyone using websites from or in Europe. Unlike COPPA, GDPR requires consent for data collection from all users, not just children.
- FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): This protects student education records and applies mostly to schools, not websites or apps. It’s about school records, not online data collection.
- Privacy policies: These are statements provided by websites or apps that explain how they collect, use, and share your information. These policies are required by law but are not laws themselves. Think of them as the company’s promise or description of what happens with your data.
- Terms of Service (ToS): These are the rules you agree to when you use an app or website. They include what you can and cannot do on the site but also often explain data use. ToS is different from COPPA but connected because it governs your relationship with the platform.
Knowing these terms helps you understand when COPPA applies and when other laws or rules are in play, so you know your rights and what to watch for online.
What practical steps can you take to protect your privacy online under the new COPPA rules?
Here are some clear actions you can take to stay safe and protect your personal info online:
- Read privacy notices carefully: When signing up for new apps or websites, look for sections labeled “Privacy,” “Parental Consent,” or “Data Collection.” These explain what info the site collects and how.
- Talk with your parents or guardians: If you’re under 13, always involve a parent before creating accounts or sharing info online. Ask them to read privacy policies with you to understand what you’re agreeing to.
- Know your rights after turning 13: At 13 and older, you can ask websites to explain what data they have about you, request that they delete certain info, or adjust privacy settings to limit sharing.
- Use privacy settings on apps: Most social media and games let you control who sees your posts, your location, or profile details. Customize these settings to keep your info private or visible only to friends.
- Be cautious about what you share: Avoid posting sensitive info like your address, phone number, or school name publicly online. Think before you share photos or videos that identify you or your location.
- Report concerns: If you find a site is collecting data without proper consent or acting suspiciously, tell a trusted adult or report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
By following these steps, you stay in control of your online privacy and can spot when a website or app is not respecting your rights under COPPA.
How do the new COPPA rules change what websites and app makers must do?
The new COPPA rules require websites and app creators that target kids or know they have users under 13 to do more to protect children’s data. They must:
- Write clear, easy-to-understand privacy policies that explain exactly what data they collect and how it’s used.
- Use stronger methods to verify that a parent really gave permission, such as sending a consent link to an email or requiring a small payment method check.
- Collect only the data necessary for the service to work, avoiding extra info gathering “just in case.”
- Give parents the ability to see and delete any information collected about their child.
- Train employees to follow these rules and regularly monitor their systems to avoid mistakes or breaches.
If companies don’t follow these rules, they can face big fines or legal trouble with the FTC. This creates a strong reason for websites and apps to be careful about kids’ privacy and helps improve safety across the internet.
Where can you find trustworthy info about COPPA and your privacy rights?
Learning more about COPPA and your rights online is easy with reliable resources:
- The Federal Trade Commission website has clear guides and FAQs about COPPA, parental consent, and how websites must behave.
- Government sites like USA.gov explain children’s privacy rights and provide links to official rules.
- Advocacy groups like the American Civil Liberties Union offer information about digital rights and privacy protections for teens.
- Educational articles on COPPA basics, compliance tips, and privacy laws give you deeper understanding (see articles about COPPA compliance and what it covers).
- Talk to a trusted adult, school counselor, or teacher about online privacy. They can help you understand what to look for and what to do if something feels wrong.
Staying informed and asking questions is one of the best ways to protect your online privacy, especially as rules evolve with technology.
Frequently asked questions
Can websites collect my data if I’m 13 or older?
Yes, once you turn 13, COPPA doesn’t require parental consent anymore. However, many websites still offer privacy controls, and other laws may protect your data. Always review a site’s privacy settings and be careful about what you share.
What kinds of personal info does COPPA protect?
COPPA protects information like your full name, contact details, photos, videos, location, IP address, and device identifiers—basically anything that can identify you or reach you personally.
How do websites get parental consent under COPPA?
They might send a consent form to a parent’s email, request a credit card verification, or require a phone call confirmation. The new rules require these methods to be clear, secure, and easy to understand.
Does COPPA protect teens older than 13?
No, COPPA only protects children under 13. Teens 13 and older have different privacy rights under other laws and policies, but COPPA itself doesn’t cover them.
What can I do if a website isn’t following COPPA rules?
You or your parents can report the website to the Federal Trade Commission. If you feel your privacy is being violated, talk to a trusted adult or seek legal advice for help.