Ready for a Compliance Check? Call Now!
1-786-885-5165The U.S. federal law requiring verifiable parental consent before collecting data from children under 13 online.
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal law designed to protect the privacy and personal information of children under the age of 13.
Enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), COPPA applies to websites, mobile apps, and online services that collect or store personal data from children or that knowingly target child audiences.
The law was enacted in 1998 and went into effect in April 2000. Despite its age, COPPA remains a cornerstone of U.S. privacy law especially as kids’ use of online platforms continues to grow.
Protecting children’s privacy online isn’t just an ethical responsibility it’s a legal requirement. Under COPPA, businesses must be transparent about what data they collect, how it’s used, and who it’s shared with.
Consequences of non-compliance can include:
If your digital platform has users under 13 or may inadvertently collect their data, COPPA compliance must be a core part of your data protection framework.
Your organization must comply if it:
Operates a website, app, or online service directed to children under 13
Knowingly collects personal information (like name, email, photos, or location data) from children
Integrates third party plug ins or ad networks that collect data through your site or app
Provides educational platforms or interactive content that may appeal to children
Even if your platform doesn’t explicitly target kids, you can still fall under COPPA if your content, visuals, or user behavior data indicates a child audience.
COPPA defines “personal information” broadly. Businesses must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or sharing any of this data.
Protected Personal Information Includes:
To meet the FTC’s COPPA rules, your organization must follow these essential steps:
These steps not only fulfill legal obligations but also build trust and transparency with families.
The FTC enforces COPPA vigorously. The potential consequences extend far beyond monetary fines:
FTC Penalties Can Include:
COPPA compliance provides a strong foundation that aligns closely with international privacy frameworks:
For businesses expanding globally, starting with COPPA compliance establishes a strong foundation for broader privacy regulations worldwide.
GetADAAlert helps digital businesses, educational institutions, and app developers meet COPPA obligations without disrupting growth. Our experts provide:
We focus on helping you protect young users while keeping your platform fully compliant and accessible.
Learn how regulatory standards apply to your sector.
COPPA compliance isn’t optional it’s essential for protecting both your users and your brand.
29 Nov
Do international websites need ADA compliance in the US? Learn when US law applies, legal risks, and how global websites stay accessible and compliant.
22 Nov
Why dentists need ADA compliance for their websites, legal risks, patient access issues, and how dental practices meet US accessibility requirements.
15 Nov
Why travel websites need ADA compliance, legal risks, accessibility barriers, and how travel brands meet US accessibility requirements.
08 Nov
Why web compliance is crucial today, legal risks, accessibility laws, and how US businesses stay compliant and protected.