What is COPPA?
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. law designed to protect the privacy of children under 13 years old when they are online. It requires websites and online services directed at children to obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from them.
Overview
COPPA was enacted in 1998 to address the growing concerns about children's privacy in the digital world. The law applies to websites and online services that are aimed at children or that knowingly collect information from children. This means that companies must provide clear privacy policies, obtain verifiable parental consent, and allow parents to review and delete their children's information. One key aspect of COPPA is that it requires companies to explain what information they collect and how it will be used. For example, if a popular children's game collects names, email addresses, or geolocation data, the company must inform parents and get their permission before collecting this data. This ensures that parents are aware of what their children are sharing online and can make informed decisions about their privacy. COPPA is important because it helps safeguard children's personal information in an increasingly digital landscape. By setting strict guidelines for data collection, it aims to prevent exploitation and misuse of children's data. This law reflects a broader trend in Privacy & Data Law, where there is a growing emphasis on protecting vulnerable populations, including minors, from potential online risks.