What COPPA Is and Why It Matters
Short answer
COPPA, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, is a U.S. law that safeguards children under 13 from having their personal information collected online without parental consent. It requires websites and apps aimed at kids to follow strict rules, helping parents control what data their children share and ensuring safer internet use.
What exactly is COPPA?
COPPA is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of children who use the internet. The law focuses on websites, mobile apps, and online services that either target children under 13 or know they are collecting data from children that age. The term “personal information” under COPPA is broad and includes details like a child’s full name, home address, email address, phone number, photos, videos, or any identifiers that could reveal who the child is. For example, if a website lets children create accounts using their real names and email addresses, COPPA requires that the site must first get parental permission. The law also applies if a site tracks children’s online activities to target ads or gathers location information. The goal is to give parents control over what information about their children is collected and shared online.
How does COPPA work? A step-by-step example
To understand how COPPA works, picture this scenario: a website offers free educational games for kids under 13. Before a child can register or play, the website must clearly explain what personal information it wants to collect and how it will use it. The site might display a privacy policy saying, “We collect your child’s name and email to create an account and send updates.” Next, before any data is collected, the site must obtain verifiable parental consent. This means the website might email the parent a consent form or ask for a credit card authorization to confirm permission. Only after the parent agrees can the child’s information be stored. If the parent declines or doesn’t respond, the site must allow the child to use limited features that don’t require data collection or block access entirely. This process ensures parents know and approve what data is gathered, protecting children’s privacy.
Why was COPPA created and why does it matter today?
COPPA was created to address the risks children face online, such as unwanted exposure to advertising, identity theft, or contact from strangers. Children often cannot fully understand the consequences of sharing personal details online, so this law shifts responsibility to websites and parents. For this audience—parents, caregivers, educators, and even developers—it matters because it establishes clear rules for protecting children’s privacy online. Parents gain tools to oversee their kids’ internet use, knowing websites must be transparent and accountable. Educators can guide students in safe digital habits and advocate for privacy protections in schools. For companies, COPPA sets a legal framework for designing child-friendly websites and apps, helping avoid costly penalties. The law’s protections support a safer online environment for children, which benefits families and communities alike.
What does it mean to be COPPA compliant?
COPPA compliance means a website or service follows specific steps to protect children’s privacy. These steps include:
- Posting a clear, easy-to-understand privacy policy detailing what data is collected, why, and how it is used.
- Obtaining verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or sharing any personal information from children under 13.
- Providing parents with the option to review their child’s data and request its deletion.
- Limiting the collection of data to what is necessary for the site’s operation and not using children’s data for targeted advertising without consent.
- Keeping the data secure to prevent unauthorized access or leaks.
For instance, a children’s app might ask parents to sign and return a consent form or verify their identity over a phone call before allowing data collection. Websites must keep records of this consent to prove compliance. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to investigations and fines from the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces COPPA.
What terms do people confuse with COPPA, and how do they differ?
COPPA is sometimes mixed up with other laws and terms, which can cause confusion:
| Term | What it Means | How it Differs from COPPA |
|---|---|---|
| GDPR | European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation | Covers data protection across all ages in the EU, with additional rules for children but is not a U.S. law |
| CIPA | Children’s Internet Protection Act | Focuses on internet filtering and safety in schools, not data privacy or parental consent |
| COPA | Child Online Protection Act | An older law aimed at restricting minors’ access to harmful material, not about privacy |
| Children’s Privacy | General concept covering all laws and practices protecting kids’ data | A broad term, COPPA is a specific law under this umbrella |
Understanding these differences helps parents and educators identify what protections apply and avoid confusion about rights and responsibilities online.
What should parents, educators, and caregivers do about COPPA?
Parents should actively check privacy policies of apps and websites their children use. Look for clear statements about data collection and whether parental consent is requested. If a site asks for personal details without providing a way to give or deny permission, be cautious. Parents can ask questions like: “What information are you collecting about my child? How will it be used? Can I review or delete it?” Teaching children safe online habits—such as not sharing full names, locations, or contact details—is equally important. Educators can incorporate digital privacy lessons into their teaching and encourage students to talk about privacy concerns. If a parent suspects a violation of COPPA—for example, a site collecting data without parental consent—they can report it to the FTC. Staying informed and proactive helps adults protect children’s privacy rights.
How has COPPA adapted to modern technology?
The internet and technology have changed dramatically, so COPPA has been updated to cover new platforms and tools. For example, many mobile apps and online video platforms now fall under COPPA rules because children use smartphones and tablets frequently. These updates clarify how parental consent must be obtained for apps, streaming services, and interactive games. The law also addresses the use of persistent identifiers like cookies or device IDs that can track children across websites. Companies must be transparent about these tracking technologies and get consent before using them with children’s information. Staying current with COPPA developments helps parents and businesses understand their rights and responsibilities in a fast-changing digital world.
What steps can businesses take to comply with COPPA?
Businesses aiming to comply with COPPA should start by:
- Identifying if their website or app is directed at children under 13 or knowingly collects data from them.
- Creating or updating a clear, comprehensive privacy policy that explains data collection and use.
- Implementing a system to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information, such as electronic consent forms or phone verification.
- Offering parents options to review and delete their child’s data upon request.
- Training staff about COPPA requirements to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Regularly reviewing and updating privacy practices to reflect new technology changes or legal updates.
By taking these steps, businesses reduce legal risks and build trust with families, demonstrating their commitment to protecting children’s online privacy.
Frequently asked questions
Who enforces COPPA and how can violations be reported?
The Federal Trade Commission enforces COPPA by investigating complaints and issuing penalties for non-compliance. Parents or guardians who suspect violations can report them to the FTC through its consumer complaint system.
Does COPPA apply to children older than 13?
No, COPPA specifically protects children under 13. Other privacy laws or platform policies may address older children and teens, but COPPA’s requirements end at age 13.
What counts as verifiable parental consent under COPPA?
Verifiable consent can involve methods like signed consent forms, credit card verification, phone calls with parents, or government ID checks. The goal is to confirm the adult’s identity and permission before collecting data from the child.
Can websites collect anonymous data from children without parental consent?
COPPA focuses on personally identifiable information. If data collected cannot identify or track the child, parental consent may not be required. However, companies must be cautious because some anonymous data combined with other information can become identifiable.
How can parents teach children about online privacy under COPPA?
Parents can explain why it’s important not to share full names, addresses, phone numbers, or school names online. Encourage kids to ask an adult before entering personal info and to understand that some websites require parent permission before use.
What should businesses do if they want to market to children under 13 legally?
Businesses must follow COPPA by obtaining parental consent for data collection, limiting data use to stated purposes, and giving parents control over their child’s information. Transparency and strict data protection practices are essential for legal marketing.