Children’s Online Privacy Laws: What Parents Need to Know in 2026
The digital world moves at lightning speed, and as parents, keeping up with the rules around our children’s online privacy can feel like a full-time job. As of September 2026, understanding the evolving world of children’s online privacy laws isn’t just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding your child’s digital footprint and personal information.
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Federal laws like COPPA are the bedrock of U.S. children’s online privacy, but states and international bodies add further layers of protection.
- Understanding digital consent is vital; laws generally require parental consent for data collection from children under 13.
- Privacy policies on apps and websites are often dense, but knowing what to look for can reveal data practices.
- Parents have rights to access, modify, and delete their child’s data in many jurisdictions.
- Staying informed about evolving regulations is key to adapting your family’s online safety strategies.
Latest Update (September 2026)
Recent developments highlight increased scrutiny on children’s online safety. According to The Regulatory Review, discussions around ‘Safety by Design’ are gaining momentum, pushing for online platforms to embed child protection into their core functionality, rather than treating it as an add-on. This proactive approach aims to mitigate risks before they materialize. Furthermore, as reported by law.com, the Section 3 of the TAKE IT DOWN Act continues to be a focal point for legislative efforts, aiming to provide clearer mechanisms for removing illegal content that could harm minors online.
The Brookings Institution recently pointed out that while surveillance technologies expand, student privacy protections are struggling to keep pace. This is particularly relevant as schools integrate more digital tools for learning. The IAPP’s recent ‘Back to school, into a new era of children’s privacy’ commentary emphasizes the ongoing need for parents and educators to be vigilant about data collection practices in educational settings.
The Foundation: Understanding COPPA in 2026
The most significant piece of legislation governing online child privacy in the United States is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Enacted in 1998 and updated several times since, COPPA’s core principle as of September 2026 remains: to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue and enforce uniform federal regulations that protect the privacy of children’s personal information collected online.
Practically speaking, this means that websites and online services directed to children under 13, or those that knowingly collect personal information from children under 13, must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing that information. This isn’t just about names and email addresses; it can include persistent identifiers like IP addresses or cookies used to track behavior over time.
What this means in practice is that many apps and games your child might use will have specific consent mechanisms. For instance, when a child tries to enter their age, the service should prompt for parental approval if they are under the threshold. Some services might even ask for a credit card to verify parental identity.
A common point of confusion is what constitutes “personal information.” The FTC’s guidelines are quite broad, encompassing everything from names, addresses, and phone numbers to geolocation data, photographs, and even audio recordings. Even data collected through third-party advertising networks can fall under COPPA’s purview if it’s linked to a child’s profile.
As of September 2026, the FTC continues to enforce COPPA rigorously. For example, Bloomberg Law News recently reported on TikTok’s settlement concerning children’s privacy, noting how such cases can sometimes sideline the FTC’s direct role but still lead to significant outcomes regarding data handling for younger users.
Beyond COPPA: State Laws and International Reach
While COPPA is the federal standard, several U.S. states have enacted their own, often more stringent, privacy laws. California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), for example, and its subsequent amendment the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), provide additional protections for minors. As of 2026, these laws can grant younger users (and their parents) more rights regarding data access and deletion, even extending protections to those aged 13-16.
From a different angle, parents whose children use services based outside the U.S. need to be aware of international regulations. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union is one of the most comprehensive privacy laws globally. For children in the EU, GDPR sets the age of digital consent at 16, though member states can lower it to 13.
This means many services accessible to your child might be subject to both U.S. and EU privacy standards, depending on their operations. What this means in practice is that a service popular in the U.S. might have different privacy settings or consent procedures if it also operates in the EU.
For instance, Meta has faced scrutiny regarding its data practices for younger users in Europe. As of September 2026, efforts to harmonize global data privacy standards are ongoing, but significant differences persist. Navigating these varying regulations can be challenging. A U.S.-based app might state it complies with COPPA but might not fully meet GDPR requirements for an EU child user.
What Parents Can Do: Practical Steps for 2026
Keeping your child safe online involves more than just knowing the laws; it requires active engagement. Here are practical steps parents can take as of September 2026:
Read Privacy Policies (or Summaries): While dense, try to skim privacy policies, especially for apps your child uses frequently. Look for sections on children’s data, consent, and data sharing. Many services now offer simplified summaries, which are a good starting point.
Use Parental Controls: Most devices and platforms offer robust parental control settings. These can limit data collection, restrict in-app purchases, and manage app permissions, providing an essential layer of oversight.
Teach Digital Citizenship: Educate your children about the importance of privacy, what information is safe to share, and the potential consequences of oversharing. This conversation should be ongoing.
Review App Permissions: Regularly check which permissions apps have on your child’s device. Does a simple game really need access to your child’s contacts or location? Revoke unnecessary permissions promptly.
Understand In-App Purchases and Subscriptions: Many apps offer in-app purchases or subscriptions that can be costly. Ensure parental controls are set to require re-authentication for any purchases.
Be Mindful of Geotagging: Teach children not to share their location through photos or social media posts, as this information can be misused.
Navigating Children’s App Privacy and Online Advertising
Children’s apps and online games are a primary focus for privacy regulations. Developers must be transparent about data collection. This includes explaining what data is collected, why it’s collected, and with whom it’s shared.
Online advertising targeted at children is another area of concern. COPPA restricts the collection of persistent identifiers for behavioral advertising without parental consent. However, the lines can blur with sophisticated tracking technologies.
As of September 2026, many platforms are implementing new advertising standards. For example, Google and other major ad networks have updated their policies regarding the targeting of minors to comply with evolving regulations and public pressure.
Parents should be aware that even “free” apps often monetize through advertising or data collection. Understanding these business models is key to assessing the privacy risks associated with a particular app or service.
Common Mistakes Parents Make Regarding Online Privacy
One common mistake is assuming that a child’s data is safe simply because an app is popular or widely used. Popularity does not equate to robust privacy practices.
Another pitfall is not actively reviewing privacy settings. Default settings are rarely the most private. Parents must proactively adjust these settings on devices, apps, and platforms.
Underestimating the sophistication of data collection is also a frequent error. Persistent identifiers, device fingerprinting, and in-app analytics can gather significant amounts of information about a child’s online activities, even without explicit personal identification.
Finally, failing to have open conversations with children about online privacy is a missed opportunity. Children need to understand the risks and be empowered to make safe choices.
Expert Insights and Best Practices for 2026
Privacy advocates and legal experts emphasize a layered approach to online child safety. According to recent analyses from organizations like the IAPP, “Safety by Design” is not just a trend but a necessity for new digital products aimed at young users.
Experts recommend parents prioritize services that are transparent about their data practices and offer clear, easy-to-understand privacy controls. Companies that proactively seek and demonstrate verifiable parental consent for data collection are generally more trustworthy.
Independent reviews and consumer watchdog reports can offer valuable insights into the privacy practices of popular apps and services. These resources often break down complex privacy policies into digestible information for parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main law protecting children’s online privacy in the U.S.?
The primary federal law is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). It requires websites and online services to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13.
Does COPPA apply to apps and games?
Yes, COPPA applies to any website, online service, or mobile application that is directed to children under 13 or that knowingly collects personal information from them.
What age does GDPR consider a child for digital consent?
Under the EU’s GDPR, the age of digital consent is 16, though individual member states can lower this to 13. This means services operating in the EU must adhere to these consent requirements.
How can I verify parental consent for an app?
Verifiable parental consent can be obtained through various methods, such as signing and returning a consent form, using a credit card to verify age, calling a toll-free number, or using a government-issued ID. The method must be reasonably capable of ensuring the person giving consent is the parent.
Are there laws protecting teens’ privacy online?
While COPPA specifically targets under-13s, state laws like California’s CCPA/CPRA offer additional protections for minors up to age 16 and beyond, granting them more rights over their personal data.
Conclusion
The digital landscape for children is constantly shifting, with new apps, platforms, and technologies emerging regularly. Staying ahead of these changes and understanding the relevant children’s online privacy laws is an ongoing process for parents. By utilizing available tools, staying informed about regulations like COPPA and state-specific laws, and fostering open communication with your children about their online activities, you can significantly enhance their digital safety and protect their personal information in 2026 and beyond.
