Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act
Summary
The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) aims to strengthen the online privacy protections for children and teens by amending the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998. It focuses on regulating the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of individuals under 17 by operators of websites, online services, and applications. The bill expands the definition of personal information and introduces stricter requirements for verifiable consent and data deletion.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased compliance costs for online platforms and services that cater to children and teens. It will also give parents and teens more control over their personal data online. The FTC will be required to study and report on mobile and online application oversight and enforcement.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced privacy for children and teens online.
- Greater parental control over children's data.
- Increased transparency regarding data collection practices.
- Potential for reduced targeted advertising to children and teens.
- Clearer guidelines for operators regarding data protection.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased compliance burden for businesses, potentially stifling innovation.
- Possible limitations on access to online services for children and teens due to stricter consent requirements.
- Potential for over-collection of age-related data to ensure compliance.
- Risk of creating a two-tiered internet, with limited access for younger users.
- The definition of 'personal information' may be overly broad, capturing benign data.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the spirit of the Constitution by promoting the general welfare and securing the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, as stated in the Preamble. The balance between protecting individual privacy and avoiding undue restrictions on commerce is a key consideration. While the Constitution does not explicitly mention online privacy, the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures provides an analogous basis for safeguarding personal information in the digital age. The First Amendment implications related to freedom of speech and commercial activity must also be carefully considered.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).