COPPA compliance is paramount for companies operating in the U.S. as this legislation remains a critical law for protecting children’s privacy.
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) remains one of the most important legal safeguards in the United States, designed to protect children under 13 years old from online data collection without parental consent. This law was enacted in 1998 and is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). COPPA places strict requirements on businesses that offer online services or collect data from minors. However, with evolving technology and growing digital risks, the law has faced some challenges in enforcement and effectiveness.
COPPA requires businesses to obtain parental consent before collecting children’s data
COPPA mandates that operators of websites, apps, and online services directed at children under 13 obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information. This includes sensitive data such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and any other identifiers that could be used to track or contact a child. Additionally, companies must provide clear privacy policies, ensure the confidentiality and security of collected data, and allow parents to review or delete their child’s information upon request. These safeguards were designed to prevent companies from exploiting children’s data for commercial gain without parental oversight.
Companies can achieve COPPA compliance by implementing strict data protection measures and parental consent systems
To comply with COPPA, businesses must establish effective age verification systems to prevent children under 13 from accessing services without parental consent. Companies should provide clear and accessible privacy policies, outlining how children’s data is collected, used, and protected. Implementing verifiable parental consent mechanisms, such as credit card verification, signed consent forms, or government-issued identification checks, is crucial to ensure compliance. Additionally, businesses must practice data minimization by only collecting information that is essential for service functionality and securely storing or deleting data when no longer needed. Regular employee training on COPPA requirements, conducting periodic compliance audits, and staying updated on legislative changes can help companies avoid costly violations and maintain a strong commitment to child safety online.
Recent proposals seek to strengthen COPPA by expanding protections to teens and increasing accountability
In response to certain challenges, U.S. lawmakers have proposed updates to COPPA, including COPPA 2.0 and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). COPPA 2.0 seeks to extend protections to children up to age 16, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and ban targeted advertising to minors. Meanwhile, KOSA introduces a “duty of care” standard, making social media companies legally responsible for preventing harm to young users. These updates reflect growing concerns that existing child safety laws are insufficient in today’s digital environment.
Governments are working together to address global concerns about child safety online
Recognizing that online threats to children are not confined to national borders, the United States and the United Kingdom have formed a joint working group to strengthen child safety protections. This initiative focuses on age verification, content moderation, and enforcement measures to hold tech companies accountable for their role in safeguarding young users. As more countries push for stricter regulations, businesses operating on a global scale must adapt to an increasingly complex legal environment that prioritizes children’s privacy and well-being.
Businesses must ensure COPPA compliance to avoid legal and financial consequences
For online businesses operating in the U.S , COPPA compliance is not optional—it is a legal requirement with serious consequences for violations. Companies must implement the necessary measures to ensure they achieve and maintain COPPA compliance. Failure to do so can result in substantial fines, as seen in cases involving YouTube, TikTok, and other major platforms that violated COPPA rules. As digital privacy laws evolve, businesses must remain proactive in adapting their policies to align with the latest regulatory standards.
