{"id":2530,"date":"2025-02-01T21:03:11","date_gmt":"2025-02-02T02:03:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/talkcounsel.com\/blog\/?p=2530"},"modified":"2025-02-01T21:03:12","modified_gmt":"2025-02-02T02:03:12","slug":"coppa-compliance-for-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/talkcounsel.com\/blog\/coppa-compliance-for-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"Does COPPA Apply to Your Business? Here\u2019s What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If your business collects personal information online, you’ve probably heard of COPPA\u2014the Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act<\/a>. But does it actually apply to you? The answer isn\u2019t always straightforward, and that\u2019s where things can get tricky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t worry\u2014I\u2019ll keep it simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Do You Collect Any Personal Information (PI)?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first and most important question: Are you collecting any personal data from users? If your website, app, or online service doesn\u2019t collect personal information (like names, addresses, emails, or anything that can identify a user), COPPA does not apply to you\u2014you can breathe easy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you do collect personal data, let\u2019s move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommendation:<\/strong> <\/strong>A Business Owner\u2019s Guide to California\u2019s Consumer Privacy Laws<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Is Your Business Online and Commercial?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

COPPA applies only to online services and apps that are operated for commercial purposes. If you\u2019re running an online platform, mobile app, or digital service with the intent to make money, then we\u2019re still in the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Does Your Website or App Target Children Under 13?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what if your site is for general audiences and not specifically targeting children? Keep reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Do You Know You\u2019re Collecting Data from Kids Anyway?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if your business isn\u2019t intended<\/em> for children, COPPA still applies if you knowingly collect personal information from users under 13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n