Coping with COPPA: Exploring Alternatives to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act

Authors

Andrew Parra, Indiana University Maurer School of LawFollow

Abstract

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) stands as one of the greatest protectors of children’s privacy for nearly twenty-five years. However, COPPA has struggled to keep pace with technological changes during this time, and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the shortcomings of COPPA regulations as children were forced to spend increased amounts of time in digital spaces. As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to make changes to COPPA, it is necessary to consider what changes would be most beneficial to protect children. This paper will explore the current regulatory framework, its strengths and weaknesses, and then delve into proposed reforms to COPPA. To understand which reforms would be most effective, it is necessary to consider the purpose of COPPA as well as the vulnerabilities of children that necessitate these regulations. Finally, having considered the barriers to each reform, this paper will consider which changes the FTC is likely to consider and how these could be implemented.

Recommended Citation

12 Indiana Journal of Law & Social Equality 193