In today’s digital landscape, businesses must be aware of key regulations protecting children’s online privacy. Whether you run an e-commerce site, a mobile app, or an online service, compliance with COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act), DOPPA (Delaware Online Privacy Protection Act), and GDPR-K (General Data Protection Regulation – Kids’ Provisions) is critical. Failure to adhere to these laws can lead to hefty fines and damage to your brand’s reputation.
Understanding the Regulations
COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) – This U.S. law applies to businesses collecting personal information from children under 13. If your website, app, or service is directed toward children or knowingly collects data from them, you must obtain parental consent before gathering or using their information.
DOPPA (Delaware Online Privacy Protection Act) – A state law that extends privacy protections to children under 18, covering marketing and data collection practices. Even if your business is not based in Delaware, it applies if you serve Delaware residents.
GDPR-K (General Data Protection Regulation – Kids’ Provisions) – Under the EU’s GDPR, children under 16 (or 13 in some countries) require parental consent before their data can be collected. If your business operates in Europe or serves European customers, compliance is mandatory.
When Do These Laws Apply to Your Business?
Even if you don’t think of your business as child-focused, you may still need to comply. Here are some common scenarios where these regulations come into play:
A toy store or children’s clothing retailer with an online shop – If your website allows account creation, collects emails for newsletters, or uses tracking cookies, COPPA and GDPR-K may apply.
A mobile game or app used by children – If kids under 13 are playing your game, COPPA requires parental consent for data collection. If you operate in the EU, GDPR-K also applies.
A business with a loyalty program or email list – If your company markets to teenagers under 18, DOPPA may impact how you collect and use their data.
Social media campaigns and contests – If your brand runs social media contests or collects user-generated content from children, you need to ensure compliance with COPPA, DOPPA, or GDPR-K depending on your audience’s location.
Steps to Stay Compliant
- Identify if your business interacts with children’s data – Audit your website, app, or marketing efforts.
- Obtain verifiable parental consent – If required, use approved consent mechanisms before collecting personal data.
- Limit data collection – Only gather the minimum necessary data and avoid tracking cookies for underage users.
- Be transparent – Provide clear privacy notices tailored for parents and young users.
- Consult a privacy expert – Regulations evolve, and expert guidance can help keep you compliant.
Final Thoughts
Ignoring children’s privacy laws can result in legal consequences and lost consumer trust. Small and mid-size businesses must stay informed and implement best practices to protect young users’ data. If you’re unsure about your compliance status, now is the time to take action!
For more insights on privacy compliance, contact us today!
(Images by Ron Lach and Kindel Media)