Question 1

What is COPPA and does it apply to my app?

Accepted Answer

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law that applies to apps and websites directed at children under 13, or that knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If your app is designed for children, has child-appealing content, or collects data from users you know are under 13, COPPA likely applies. Violations can result in penalties of up to $50,120 per violation enforced by the FTC.

Question 2

What is California's Age-Appropriate Design Code (AADC)?

Accepted Answer

California's Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (AADC) requires businesses that provide online services, products, or features likely to be accessed by children under 18 to conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments, default to high privacy settings, implement age estimation mechanisms, and avoid using dark patterns to encourage children to lower their privacy settings. The AADC goes beyond COPPA by protecting children up to age 18.

Question 3

Do I need age verification in my app?

Accepted Answer

Age verification requirements depend on your app's target audience and the states where you operate. Federal COPPA requires knowing whether users are under 13. California's AADC requires age estimation for products likely accessed by children. Utah's App Store Accountability Act requires app stores to verify user ages. Texas's SCOPE Act requires digital service providers to verify ages. If your app could be accessed by children, implementing age verification is a best practice across all jurisdictions.

Question 4

What parental consent is required for children's apps?

Accepted Answer

COPPA requires "verifiable parental consent" before collecting personal information from children under 13. Acceptable methods include signed consent forms, credit card verification, government ID checking, video conferencing, or knowledge-based authentication. Many state privacy laws also require opt-in consent for processing children's data as sensitive information. The specific consent mechanism depends on the type of data collected and applicable state laws.

Question 5

Can my children's app display advertisements?

Accepted Answer

COPPA prohibits behavioral advertising directed at children under 13. Many state privacy laws, including those in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Maryland, and others, also restrict or prohibit targeted advertising to children. Contextual advertising (ads based on page content rather than user data) is generally permitted. If your app targets children, you should avoid all behavioral and targeted advertising and limit ads to contextual formats only.

App Store & Children's Privacy Compliance Checker

Where Is Your App Available?

App Store & Children's Privacy Compliance Checker

Where Is Your App Available?