COPPA

July 15, 2025

COPPA

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Protecting Children’s Privacy Online: Understanding COPPA for SMBs

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is crucial for businesses collecting data from children under 13. Learn your responsibilities and ensure compliance with TEKRiSQ.

Learn About COPPA

What is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)?

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1998 and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Its primary purpose is to give parents control over what information is collected from their children online.
COPPA applies to online operators (websites, apps, online services) that collect personal information from children under 13 years of age. This includes:
  • Operators of commercial websites and online services directed to children under 13.
  • Operators of general audience websites or online services that have actual knowledge they are collecting personal information from children under 13.

“Personal information” under COPPA is broadly defined and includes names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, persistent identifiers (like IP addresses or cookies used for tracking), photos, videos, and audio files containing a child’s image or voice.

Official FTC COPPA Business Guidance →

Illustration of a child's hand interacting with a tablet, protected by a privacy shield

COPPA for SMBs: Why It Matters to Your Business

Small business owner looking at data, with a child icon and privacy lock
Even if your Small or Medium Business (SMB) doesn’t explicitly target children, you might still be subject to COPPA if you collect personal information from users you *know* are under 13. This “actual knowledge” can come from various sources, such as age-gating mechanisms, user-provided information, or even common sense about the nature of your content.
Non-compliance with COPPA can lead to significant penalties, with civil penalties up to $50,120 per violation. For an SMB, such fines can be devastating. Beyond financial repercussions, a COPPA violation can severely damage your brand’s reputation and erode customer trust.
It’s crucial for SMBs to assess whether COPPA applies to them and, if so, to implement a robust compliance strategy. This not only avoids penalties but also demonstrates a commitment to ethical data practices and builds a positive relationship with your audience.
  • Avoid Steep Fines: Protect your business from significant financial penalties.
  • Safeguard Reputation: Build trust with parents and the wider community.
  • Ethical Data Handling: Ensure responsible and legal collection of children’s data.
  • Enhance Data Security: Implement stronger practices for all personal data.

Key COPPA Compliance Steps for SMBs

If your business falls under COPPA, here are the essential steps to ensure compliance:

1. Post a Clear Privacy Policy

Your privacy policy must be clear, prominent, and easy to understand, detailing what information you collect from children, how you use it, and your practices regarding parental consent.

Review our Privacy Policy →

2. Obtain Verifiable Parental Consent

Before collecting, using, or disclosing any personal information from a child, you must obtain verifiable parental consent. The method of consent varies based on the type of information collected and its intended use.

3. Limit Data Collection & Retention

Collect only the personal information reasonably necessary to participate in the activity. Retain children’s personal information only for as long as is reasonably necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected.

Learn about Data Governance →

4. Implement Reasonable Security Measures

Protect the confidentiality, security, and integrity of personal information collected from children. This includes implementing robust cybersecurity practices.

Enhance Your Security Posture → |
Assess Your Risk →

5. Provide Parental Access & Control

Parents have the right to review their child’s personal information, request its deletion, and refuse further collection or use of the information.

6. Train Your Staff

Ensure all employees who handle children’s data or interact with your online services understand COPPA requirements and internal procedures.

Explore Employee Training →

For a detailed guide on COPPA compliance, refer to the FTC’s official resources:

FTC COPPA FAQs →

TEKRiSQ Solutions for COPPA Compliance

TEKRiSQ helps SMBs navigate COPPA requirements, implement necessary safeguards, and ensure robust children’s online privacy protection.

Privacy Policy Development

Assistance in crafting clear, compliant privacy policies that meet COPPA’s stringent requirements.

Learn about Data Governance →

Data Security Assessments

Identify vulnerabilities in your data handling practices and implement measures to protect children’s personal information.

Explore Assessments →

Employee Training Programs

Customized training to ensure your team understands COPPA and their role in maintaining compliance.

Explore Training →

Incident Response Planning

Develop plans to address data breaches involving children’s data, minimizing impact and ensuring rapid response.

Get Your IRP →

SMB Cybersecurity Consulting

Tailored guidance for small and medium businesses on all aspects of cybersecurity and data privacy compliance.

For Consulting Firms →

Overall Security Posture

Ensure your entire security posture supports COPPA compliance and protects all sensitive data.

Enhance Your Security Posture →

Ready to Ensure COPPA Compliance for Your Business?

Don’t risk penalties or reputation. Partner with TEKRiSQ for expert guidance on children’s online privacy protection.

Get a Free Consultation