The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made significant updates to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) regulations in an effort to strengthen privacy protections for children online. The new regulations, set to take effect 60 days after their publication in the Federal Register, aim to provide stronger safeguards for personal information collected from children under the age of 13. These updates have been closely monitored by privacy advocates and children’s rights groups who have expressed concerns about the monetization of children’s data without proper oversight.
One of the key changes in the updated rule is the requirement for platforms and service providers to obtain explicit opt-in consent from parents for targeted advertising aimed at children. This new consent process ensures that parents have more control over how their children’s data is used, particularly in terms of advertising. The FTC’s action is viewed as a necessary update to the COPPA rule, which had not seen significant revisions in over a decade. Additionally, the rule now imposes stricter limits on data retention, ensuring that children’s data is not stored indefinitely and is only kept for as long as necessary to fulfill its original purpose.
The updated COPPA rule also broadens the definition of personal data to include biometric data and government-issued identifiers, expanding the protections for children’s information. Transparency measures have been introduced for Safe Harbor programs, requiring companies to publish the names of their members and report on their accountability efforts. These measures are aimed at increasing transparency and holding businesses accountable for their data handling practices.
While some proposals, such as restrictions on push notifications and limiting commercialization of student data by educational technology vendors, were not included in the updated regulations, the overall changes address major concerns about data collection practices on online platforms, especially in the education sector. The FTC has previously voiced concerns about educational technology companies collecting and sharing children’s data, and the new rules seek to provide clearer guidance on compliance. These updates underscore the growing need for stronger protections in the digital age, ensuring that children’s data is better safeguarded against evolving online advertising and data-sharing practices.
Overall, the updated COPPA regulations reflect the FTC’s commitment to enhancing privacy protections for children online and addressing concerns about the exploitation of children’s data. By requiring parental consent for targeted advertising, imposing stricter limits on data retention, and expanding the definition of personal data, the FTC aims to ensure that children’s information is handled responsibly and with greater transparency. These updates mark an important step towards creating a safer online environment for children and holding companies accountable for their data practices.