Understanding Children's Data Privacy: COPPA and Beyond in 2026

In an increasingly digital world, protecting children's online privacy has become a critical concern for parents, educators, and policymakers alike. As we move into 2026, the landscape of children's data protection continues to evolve, with COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) remaining the cornerstone of U.S. regulation, while complementary laws like CCPA and GDPR add additional layers of protection.

This comprehensive guide explores the legal framework surrounding children's privacy online, explains who is protected and what data requires safeguarding, and provides actionable steps for parents and guardians to ensure their children's information remains secure.

Overview of the Legal Framework

The Foundation: COPPA Explained

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, enacted in 1998, represents the primary federal law governing children's data protection in the United States. COPPA applies to commercial websites and online services that collect, use, or disclose personal information from children under 13 years old.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces COPPA, which requires websites and apps to:

Obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information from children
Provide clear, comprehensive privacy notices
Limit data collection to what's reasonably necessary
Maintain reasonable security practices
Allow parents to access, review, and delete their children's information

COPPA violations can result in substantial fines, with penalties reaching up to $43,792 per violation as of 2024. The law has been updated several times, most recently with amendments addressing social media, mobile apps, and emerging technologies.

Complementary Protections: State and International Laws

Beyond COPPA, several other regulations provide additional safeguards for minors' data:

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): While primarily focused on all California residents, the CCPA includes specific provisions for minors under 16, requiring opt-in consent rather than opt-out mechanisms for data sales.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): European residents benefit from GDPR's strict requirements for processing children's personal data, with special protections for those under 16 (or younger in some member states).

State Privacy Laws: Multiple states including Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah have enacted their own privacy laws with specific provisions for minors' data protection.

Who Is Covered and What's Protected

Age Groups and Coverage

COPPA's primary protection applies to children under 13 years old. However, the regulatory landscape extends beyond this age group:

Children under 13: Full COPPA protections apply
Teenagers 13-17: Protected under state laws like CCPA and GDPR, though with less stringent requirements than younger children
Young adults 18+: Covered by general privacy laws but with fewer special protections

Types of Protected Information

Understanding what constitutes protected data is essential for comprehending your rights. COPPA defines personal information as:

Name
Address
Email address
Telephone number
Social Security number
Persistent identifiers (cookies, IP addresses, device identifiers)
Geolocation data
Photographs or videos
Audio recordings
Information collected through tracking technologies

Covered Entities

COPPA applies to operators of commercial websites and online services that:

Are directed to children under 13, or
Knowingly collect personal information from children under 13

This includes social media platforms, educational apps, gaming websites, streaming services, and any other digital service that attracts a child audience.

Step-by-Step Process for Managing Children's Data Privacy

Step 1: Audit Your Child's Digital Footprint

Before taking action, understand what data exists about your child online.

Search your child's name on Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo
Check social media platforms where your child or you may have shared information
Review accounts created in your child's name (email, gaming, educational platforms)
Look through old posts, photos, and videos you may have shared
Check data broker websites to see what information they've collected

Step 2: Review Privacy Settings on All Accounts

Examine and adjust privacy settings across all platforms your child uses:

Social Media Accounts: Set profiles to private, limit who can contact your child, disable location sharing
Email Accounts: Review recovery options, enable two-factor authentication, check connected apps
Gaming Platforms: Disable in-game chat, limit friend requests, turn off data sharing
Educational Apps: Review what data is being collected and how it's used
Smart Devices: Disable voice recording, limit data collection, review connected services

Step 3: Submit Data Removal Requests

Many companies are required to honor data removal requests under COPPA and related laws. Take these steps:

Identify which companies have collected your child's data
Locate each company's privacy policy and data removal procedures
Prepare a formal request including:

- Your child's full name and any usernames

- Email addresses and account numbers

- Specific data you want removed

- Proof of parental relationship (if requested)

Submit requests via the company's designated contact method
Keep detailed records of all requests and responses
Follow up if you don't receive a response within 30-45 days

Step 4: Monitor Ongoing Data Collection

Privacy protection is ongoing, not one-time:

Regularly review new apps and websites before allowing your child to use them
Check privacy policies for any changes
Monitor your child's online activity and social media presence
Set up Google Alerts for your child's name
Periodically repeat data broker searches
Review account settings quarterly

Step 5: Document Everything

Maintain detailed records for compliance and enforcement purposes:

Create a spreadsheet of all online accounts and services
Document privacy settings configured
Keep copies of privacy policies and data removal requests
Record dates and methods of communication with companies
Save responses to data removal requests
Document any violations or concerning practices

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall 1: Assuming Parental Consent Was Obtained

Many parents don't realize that companies may have collected their child's data without proper consent.

How to avoid: Review account creation history and look for consent records. Contact companies directly to ask what data they collected and when.

Pitfall 2: Neglecting to Update Privacy Settings

Default settings often allow maximum data collection and sharing.

How to avoid: Make updating privacy settings a quarterly task. Set calendar reminders to review settings on major platforms.

Pitfall 3: Sharing Too Much Information as a Parent

Parents often inadvertently create a detailed digital profile of their children through social media posts.

How to avoid: Think twice before posting. Use privacy settings to limit audience. Avoid sharing identifying information, location data, or identifying photos.

Pitfall 4: Ignoring Terms of Service Changes

Companies frequently update their policies, sometimes reducing privacy protections.

How to avoid: Subscribe to email notifications about policy changes. Review updates promptly and adjust settings accordingly.

Pitfall 5: Not Understanding Data Broker Activities

Data brokers collect and sell information about children without most parents' knowledge.

How to avoid: Regularly search data broker websites. Submit removal requests to brokers that have your child's information. Use services that monitor and remove data from brokers.

Pitfall 6: Failing to Act on Breaches

Data breaches affecting children's information require prompt action.

How to avoid: Monitor breach notification databases. Act immediately when breaches occur. Consider credit monitoring or identity theft protection services.

Templates and Resources

Data Removal Request Template

Use this template when contacting companies:

---

Subject: Data Removal Request for Minor Under COPPA

Dear [Company Name] Privacy Team,

I am writing to request the removal of personal information for my child, [Child's Full Name], from your systems. As the parent/guardian, I am exercising my rights under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Child's Information:

Full Name: [Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB]
Email Address(es): [Email(s)]
Username(s): [Usernames]
Account Number(s): [Account Numbers]

Information to Remove:

Please remove all personal information collected from or about my child, including but not limited to: name, email address, IP address, browsing history, location data, and any other identifiers or data.

Proof of Relationship:

[Attach copy of birth certificate or other proof]

I request confirmation of deletion within 30 days of receipt. Please contact me at [Your Email] or [Your Phone] if you need additional information.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

---

Useful Resources and Tools

FTC COPPA Compliance Guide: ftc.gov/coppa
Your Online Choices: youronlinechoices.eu (international opt-out tool)
Data Broker Opt-Out Services: Consider automated services for efficiency
Privacy Policy Analyzers: Tools that help identify concerning data practices
Credit Monitoring Services: For children 13 and older
State Attorney General Offices: Resources and complaint procedures

When to Seek Professional Help

Signs You Need Expert Assistance

Consider consulting with a privacy professional or attorney if:

A company refuses to remove your child's data despite valid requests
Your child's identity has been compromised or misused
You discover unauthorized data collection or sales
A company's practices appear to violate COPPA or state laws
You're dealing with a complex situation involving multiple jurisdictions
You want to file a formal complaint or pursue legal action

Professional Services Available

Privacy Removal Services: Automated services like GhostMyData can systematically identify where your child's data exists and submit removal requests across numerous data brokers and websites.

Privacy Attorneys: Specialized lawyers can help with enforcement actions and negotiations with companies.

Identity Theft Protection Services: Provide monitoring and recovery assistance if your child's information has been compromised.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

While professional services involve costs, they offer:

Time savings through automation
Expertise in identifying all data sources
Professional communication with companies
Ongoing monitoring and re-removal services
Legal support if needed

The cost is often justified when dealing with extensive data exposure or uncooperative companies.

FAQ: Children's Data Privacy Questions

What should I do if I find my child's information on a data broker website?

Submit a formal removal request to the data broker immediately. Most brokers have opt-out procedures on their websites, though they vary in complexity. For efficiency and to ensure comprehensive coverage, consider using an automated removal service like GhostMyData that handles multiple brokers simultaneously. Follow up if you don't receive confirmation within 30-45 days.

Can my teenager's data be sold even if they're 13-15 years old?

Under CCPA and similar state laws, teenagers 13-15 have stronger protections than adults. Companies must obtain opt-in consent before selling their data (rather than just allowing opt-out). However, these protections vary by state and are less stringent than COPPA's protections for children under 13. Review your state's specific privacy law for details.

What happens if a company violates COPPA?

The FTC investigates violations and can impose civil penalties up to $43,792 per violation. The company may be required to delete data, modify practices, and implement compliance programs. Parents can file complaints with the FTC, and state attorneys general can also take enforcement action. In some cases, private lawsuits may be possible under state laws.

How often should I check for my child's data online?

Perform a comprehensive audit at least annually, with quarterly spot-checks on major platforms. Set calendar reminders for these reviews. If your child's information has been compromised or if you discover concerning practices, increase monitoring frequency. Use automated services for continuous monitoring of data brokers.

Is it safe to use apps and websites with my child's information?

Only use services that have clear privacy policies, implement strong security measures, and comply with COPPA or relevant privacy laws. Before allowing your child to use any service, review their privacy policy and data practices. Look for certifications or compliance statements. When in doubt, contact the company directly to ask about their children's privacy practices before allowing access.

Take Action Today

Protecting your child's data privacy requires vigilance, but you don't have to do it alone. The digital landscape continues to evolve, and companies are constantly collecting information about children through websites, apps, and data brokers.

GhostMyData specializes in identifying and removing your child's personal information from across the internet. Our automated service handles the complex work of locating data brokers, submitting removal requests, and monitoring for re-appearance of your child's information.

Ready to protect your child's privacy? Start with a free scan to see where your child's data currently exists online. Our comprehensive report will show you exactly what information is out there and provide a clear action plan for removal.

Visit GhostMyData.com to learn more about our children's data removal service, review our pricing options, or compare data removal services to find the best solution for your family's needs.

Your child's privacy matters. Take control today.