Children’s Online Privacy Laws

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires businesses to follow specific rules and regulations when collecting online data from children. The rule applies to any commercial website or online service directed at or collecting information from children under the age of 13.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers several publications providing guidance to online businesses writing a COPPA-compliant policy.

• Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule: How to Comply
  Offers a guide prepared by FTC to help business owners comply with the new requirements for protecting children’s privacy online and understand the FTC’s enforcement authority.
• Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule: Drafting a COPPA Compliant Policy
  Provides guidance to online businesses on writing a COPPA compliant policy.
• Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule: Questions and Answers
  Lists answers to frequently asked questions to supplement the compliance materials available on the FTC’s website.
• Children’s Privacy Checklist
  Gives a COPPA checklist for website owners.

More Information

• Kidz Privacy
  Provides information for kids, teachers, business owners and parents on how to protect children’s privacy online.
• FTC Privacy Initiatives
  Explains the importance of protecting and securing personal information.