If your business collects personal information online, you’ve probably heard of COPPA—the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. But does it actually apply to you? The answer isn’t always straightforward, and that’s where things can get tricky.
This guide will walk you through the essential questions you need to ask to determine whether your online business needs to comply with COPPA. And don’t worry—I’ll keep it simple.
Step 1: Do You Collect Any Personal Information (PI)?
The first and most important question: Are you collecting any personal data from users? If your website, app, or online service doesn’t collect personal information (like names, addresses, emails, or anything that can identify a user), COPPA does not apply to you—you can breathe easy!
However, if you do collect personal data, let’s move on.
Recommendation: A Business Owner’s Guide to California’s Consumer Privacy Laws
Step 2: Is Your Business Online and Commercial?
COPPA applies only to online services and apps that are operated for commercial purposes. If you’re running an online platform, mobile app, or digital service with the intent to make money, then we’re still in the game.
On the other hand, if you run a non-commercial site (e.g., a hobby blog or an educational site without ads or paid services), you may not be subject to COPPA.
Step 3: Does Your Website or App Target Children Under 13?
Here’s where it gets serious. If your online business is directed at kids under 13, COPPA definitely applies to you. That means you must comply with strict privacy rules, including getting parental consent before collecting any personal information.
But what if your site is for general audiences and not specifically targeting children? Keep reading.
Step 4: Do You Know You’re Collecting Data from Kids Anyway?
Even if your business isn’t intended for children, COPPA still applies if you knowingly collect personal information from users under 13.
For example:
- You run a gaming website, and kids frequently sign up and share their details.
- Your analytics show that a significant portion of your users are under 13.
If you knowingly collect kids’ data, you still need to comply with COPPA.
However, if you’re running a site for adults and a kid somehow enters their details without your knowledge, COPPA may not apply.
Step 5: What If Only a Part of Your Website Targets Kids?
Some websites and apps serve both kids and adults. If only a specific section of your website targets children under 13, then COPPA applies, but only to that section.
For example:
- A streaming platform has a kids-only section with animated shows. That part of the platform must comply with COPPA.
- An educational website has a teen & adult learning section, but a special area for kids under 13. COPPA applies only to that area.
Recommendation: Fractional Legal Counsel: The New Playbook for Smart Executives
What Does COPPA Compliance Mean?
If COPPA applies to your business, here’s what you need to do:
✅ Get verifiable parental consent before collecting a child’s personal data.
✅ Provide clear privacy policies explaining what data is collected and how it’s used.
✅ Allow parents to review and delete their child’s information.
✅ Ensure secure data practices to protect children’s privacy.
Failure to comply can lead to hefty fines, so it’s crucial to get it right.
Final Thoughts
COPPA compliance isn’t something to take lightly, especially if your business interacts with young users. If you’re unsure whether the law applies to you, following this step-by-step approach should help. And if you’re still in doubt, consulting a legal professional (that’s where we come in!) is always a good idea.
🚀 Need help navigating COPPA compliance for your business? Contact us today and ensure your online services stay legally protected!
