Child Data Crackdown: FTC Shocks Digital World

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A groundbreaking FTC mandate now demands parental consent for children’s data collection, shaking the digital world to its core.

Story Overview

FTC mandates parental consent for data collection from children under 13.
First major update to COPPA since 2013.
Amendments effective from June 23, 2025.
Companies face compliance deadline by April 22, 2026.

FTC’s New Regulatory Framework

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized significant amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule. Effective from June 23, 2025, these changes require companies to notify and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal data from children under 13. This development marks the first major update to COPPA since 2013, aimed at bolstering protections for children’s online privacy.

The amendments come as a response to increasing concerns over children’s exposure to online data collection practices. As technology evolves, the FTC’s decision underscores a commitment to safeguarding children’s digital privacy, aligning with a broader push for enhanced privacy protections across the U.S. The revised rules expand the definition of personal information, now including biometric data.

Implications for Stakeholders

Key stakeholders, including online service operators, parents, and children, are directly impacted by these amendments. Companies operating websites, apps, and platforms directed at children under 13 must now adhere to stricter data retention and security requirements. Meanwhile, parents and guardians will gain increased authority over their children’s data, requiring explicit notifications and consent mechanisms before data collection.

These changes represent a shift in power dynamics, giving parents more control while obligating companies to comply with new regulations. FTC Commissioners, privacy advocates, and industry lobbyists are set to influence the evolving regulatory landscape, as the amendments take root.

Long-term Consequences

In the short term, businesses must update privacy policies, secure new parental consents, and implement robust data retention protocols. Long-term effects may include a reduction in targeted advertising to children, increased parental oversight, and higher compliance costs for companies. The amendments could also catalyze further privacy legislation, setting a precedent for similar regulations internationally.

The economic, social, and political impacts are significant. Companies face increased regulatory burdens, while parents and children benefit from enhanced privacy and control over personal data. These changes may influence privacy standards in related sectors, such as educational technology and gaming, prompting further regulatory updates worldwide.