COPPA stands for the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. It is a United States federal law that was enacted in 1998 with the aim of protecting the privacy and personal information of children under the age of 13 when using the internet.
Under COPPA, operators of websites, online services, and mobile applications that are directed towards children under the age of 13, or knowingly collect personal information from children, are required to comply with certain regulations and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting or using any personal information from children.
COPPA sets forth specific requirements for operators to ensure the privacy and safety of children while using online platforms. These requirements include providing clear and easily understandable privacy policies, obtaining parental consent through suitable methods, maintaining secure data systems, and allowing parents to review and delete any personal information collected about their children.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing COPPA and can impose severe penalties for non-compliance, including hefty fines. This legislation aims to give parents control over their children's online activities and to protect children from potential privacy risks and exploitation.
COPPA has had a significant impact on the online ecosystem, leading website operators, advertisers, and content providers to adopt strict privacy policies and obtain consent before collecting personal information from children. Its goal is to ensure a safer online environment for children, allowing them to explore the digital world while protecting their privacy and personal data.
