The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a critical US law that protects the personal information of children under 13. US businesses operating websites, apps, or online services targeting children, or knowingly collecting data from children, must comply with COPPA — or face substantial fines.
This guide explains COPPA, how it intersects with ADA compliance, the specific requirements for US businesses, enforcement risks, and practical steps for compliant digital operations in 2025.
COPPA Explained in Plain English
COPPA was enacted to ensure children’s data is handled safely and responsibly. It sets rules for:
- Collecting personal information from children under 13
- Obtaining verifiable parental consent
- Disclosing data collection practices clearly
- Allowing parents to review and delete children’s data
- Securing stored information from unauthorized access
The law applies to websites, mobile apps, and connected devices that target children or track their information.
Who Must Comply With COPPA?
COPPA compliance is required for any business that:
- Operates websites or apps targeting children under 13
- Collects personal information from children under 13
- Uses cookies or tracking that could identify children
- Offers games, educational content, or social networking for kids
Businesses that knowingly interact with children online, even indirectly, fall under COPPA jurisdiction.
What Counts as Children’s Personal Information?
Under COPPA, personal information includes:
- Name, address, phone number, email
- Photos, videos, or audio recordings
- Geolocation data
- Persistent identifiers like IP addresses or device IDs
- Behavioral or demographic information
This broad definition means even seemingly innocuous data collection can trigger compliance obligations.
COPPA & Website Accessibility (ADA Compliance)
COPPA doesn’t just protect privacy — it also intersects with digital accessibility. Consent forms, parental verification, and privacy notices must be:
- Screen reader accessible
- Keyboard navigable
- Understandable for both children and adults
An inaccessible consent process may invalidate COPPA compliance and create ADA liability exposure.
ADA Compliance | WCAG Guidelines
Common COPPA Compliance Mistakes
Many US businesses fail COPPA due to:
- Pre-checked consent boxes
- No parental consent verification
- Inadequate privacy notices
- Tracking children without disclosure
- Poor data security or breach protocols
Failing to address these areas can result in enforcement actions from the FTC, including substantial fines.
COPPA Enforcement and Penalties
COPPA enforcement is strict and rising in 2025. Penalties include:
- Civil fines of up to $43,792 per violation
- Mandatory corrective actions
- Public enforcement notices
- Potential reputational damage
High-profile COPPA cases often involve mobile apps and gaming platforms, making proper compliance essential.
Robles v Domino’s | Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
US States Where COPPA Risk Is Elevated
Certain states have additional scrutiny and enforcement overlap:
- California (CCPA/CPRA + COPPA)
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
- Florida
Businesses in these states must manage privacy, accessibility, and children’s compliance concurrently.
Integrating COPPA With ADA and Digital Compliance
COPPA compliance overlaps with ADA and other digital regulations:
- Consent forms must be accessible
- Privacy and parental notification workflows must meet usability standards
- Third-party scripts must be vetted for children’s data
- Continuous monitoring and remediation is required
Organizations benefit from unified compliance frameworks that cover COPPA, ADA, HIPAA, and GDPR obligations.
Step-by-Step COPPA Compliance Checklist
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Identify if your website/app collects children’s data |
| 2 | Update privacy policy to include children’s data practices |
| 3 | Implement verifiable parental consent |
| 4 | Provide mechanisms for parents to review and delete data |
| 5 | Secure collected data with encryption and access controls |
| 6 | Ensure consent and privacy workflows are ADA/WCAG compliant |
| 7 | Audit third-party services for children’s data collection |
| 8 | Maintain records of compliance for enforcement readiness |
Frequently Asked Questions About COPPA
Does COPPA apply to US businesses with no children-targeted marketing?
Yes, if your service knowingly collects data from children under 13, compliance is required.
What counts as parental consent?
Verifiable methods include email confirmation, signed forms, or payment verification.
Can I block children from using my site to avoid COPPA?
Blocking is an option but must be implemented effectively and consistently.
Does COPPA require accessibility?
Yes. Consent workflows and notices must meet ADA/WCAG accessibility standards.
Final Takeaway for US Businesses (2025)
COPPA compliance is non-negotiable for businesses interacting with children online. Ignoring COPPA not only risks FTC penalties but also ADA exposure due to inaccessible consent and notification mechanisms.
Businesses that integrate COPPA with ADA and broader digital compliance create defensible, user-friendly, and legally secure operations.
COPPA, ADA, and Digital Compliance Are Manageable
COPPA, ADA, and digital compliance are complex but manageable with expert systems.
Get ADA Alert helps US businesses integrate privacy, accessibility, and children’s compliance into a single operational framework.