FTC Chair Seeks Stronger Children’s Online Privacy Law

Under President Trump's administration, Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson is prioritizing stronger protections for children's online privacy and safety. The FTC is enforcing an updated Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) and plans to rigorously implement the TAKE IT DOWN Act to swiftly remove nonconsensual sexual imagery involving minors. Ferguson emphasized the need for Congress to update COPPA to eliminate exceptions that allow websites to avoid obtaining parental consent unless they have actual knowledge of a user's age, noting current age verification methods are inadequate. The FTC is also focusing on expanding parental control over children's digital activities and data, addressing how big tech exploits children through features like infinite scroll and algorithmic recommendations. In the absence of new legislation, the agency is using its existing authority to hold platforms accountable, exemplified by actions against companies like the anonymous messaging app NGL. Across multiple forums and workshops, Ferguson and other FTC officials have underscored the importance of balancing innovation with children's health and parental rights in the digital space.