What is COPPA?
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1998 and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Its core purpose is to safeguard the personal information of children under the age of 13 when they engage with online services, websites, and mobile apps.
COPPA requires operators of child-directed websites or services—or those that knowingly collect data from children—to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information. It also mandates clear privacy notices and imposes strict data security obligations.
Why COPPA Matters
COPPA is more than a legal requirement—it represents a commitment to protecting vulnerable users. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Preserves digital safety: Children may not fully understand the risks of sharing personal data. COPPA helps prevent exploitation or misuse.
- Builds parental trust: Transparent consent mechanisms foster better relationships with families and caregivers.
- Avoids legal penalties: Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and regulatory scrutiny.
- Strengthens ethical branding: Companies that comply with COPPA are seen as responsible digital citizens.
Benefits of COPPA Compliance for Organizations
While compliance can seem complex, organizations gain significant advantages by aligning with COPPA:
- Reduced legal risk: Avoid fines of up to $43,280 per violation
- Improved data governance: Implementing COPPA-ready processes improves overall privacy hygiene
- Market access: Compliance opens doors to youth-focused services, educational apps, and family-oriented platforms
- Brand loyalty: Parents are more likely to trust platforms that show accountability
Best Practices for COPPA Compliance
To align with COPPA and embed privacy-first design into your offerings, consider the following best practices:
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Identify Your Audience
Know whether your platform is directed at children or may inadvertently attract children. This determines the scope of your compliance. -
Create a Clear Privacy Policy
Your policy should explain what data is collected, how it’s used, and with whom it’s shared. Make it accessible and easy to understand for parents. -
Obtain Verifiable Parental Consent
Use email confirmations, credit card verifications, or government-approved methods to ensure legitimate consent before data collection. -
Minimize Data Collection
Collect only what’s necessary and avoid storing sensitive information longer than required. -
Implement Access and Deletion Rights
Parents should be able to review or delete their child’s data upon request. -
Train Your Team
Ensure product managers, developers, and marketers understand COPPA obligations and how they apply to your workflows. -
Monitor Third-Party Services
Ensure that analytics tools, ad networks, or plug-ins also comply with COPPA when integrated into your platform.
In today’s digital landscape, COPPA compliance is not just a regulatory obligation—it’s a moral imperative. Organizations that take children’s data privacy seriously are not only avoiding penalties but also building safer, more trustworthy digital environments.
With privacy regulations evolving and parental expectations rising, now is the time to invest in responsible data practices. Whether you’re building an educational game, a learning app, or a child-friendly website, COPPA serves as your compass for doing it right.
