The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) mandates that operators of websites or online services directed to children under 13 must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information. This includes clear parental notification requirements that inform parents about data collection practices. Below, we present three practical examples of how these requirements can be implemented in various contexts.
An educational mobile application aimed at children offers interactive learning games. To comply with COPPA, the app must provide clear notification to parents before collecting any personal data.
Parents are informed through a detailed notification in the app’s terms of service and during the sign-up process.
“Dear Parent, your child is about to access our educational app designed to enhance their learning experience. We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your child’s personal information. Before your child can use our app, we need your consent to collect information such as their name, age, and email address. This data helps us personalize their learning experience. Please review our Privacy Policy for detailed information on how we collect, use, and protect your child’s data. You can provide consent by clicking the ‘I Accept’ button below.”
An online gaming platform allows children to create profiles and interact with other players. To meet COPPA’s parental notification requirements, the platform provides a comprehensive notification before account creation.
“Attention Parents, your child has expressed interest in joining our online gaming community. Before we can collect any personal information, including their username, email, and gameplay statistics, we must obtain your consent. Our Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and share this information. Please read the policy carefully. To grant permission, click on the ‘I Agree’ button and fill out the consent form provided. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our support team.”
An e-commerce website specializing in children’s products wants to ensure compliance with COPPA when collecting personal information from child customers.
Before a child can make a purchase or create an account, the website displays a notification to the parent.
“Dear Parent, we are excited that your child is interested in shopping with us! Before we can collect any information, such as your child’s name, shipping address, and payment details, we require your consent. Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle your child’s information. To provide consent, please complete the form below and click ‘Submit.’ Rest assured, we take your child’s privacy seriously and have implemented strict security measures to protect their information.”