COPPA

COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) is a United States federal law that imposes strict requirements on apps and services that collect personal information from children under the age of 13. Any app that is directed at children or knowingly collects data from minors must comply with COPPA, and violations can lead to significant fines from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Key Requirements

• Parental consent - verifiable parental consent must be obtained before collecting any personal data from a child
• Limited data collection - apps may only collect data that is reasonably necessary for the activity
• Privacy policy - a clear, comprehensive privacy policy must describe exactly what data is collected and how it is used
• Data security - reasonable measures must protect the confidentiality and security of children’s data
• Parental controls - parents must be able to review, delete, and refuse further collection of their child’s data

Impact on App Store Listings

Both Apple and Google enforce COPPA-related rules. Apps listed in the Kids category on the App Store must follow additional restrictions, including limits on third-party analytics, advertising SDKs, and external links. Google Play’s Designed for Families program has similar requirements.

Developer Considerations

If your app targets children, audit all SDKs for compliance. Avoid behavioral advertising. Use age gates where appropriate. Work with legal counsel to ensure your data practices meet both COPPA and platform-specific requirements.