FTC Finalizes Amended COPPA Rule for Children's Privacy

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized major amendments to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule, marking its most significant update in over a decade, with compliance required by April 2026. The changes introduce expanded definitions of 'personal information,' stricter standards for mixed-audience services, and new requirements for parental consent, particularly for disclosures to third parties and uses related to advertising or artificial intelligence. Enhanced transparency is mandated, as operators must clearly explain data practices and third-party recipients in online notices. The rule also broadens the definition of online contact information and reinforces data retention and security obligations. These federal updates come amid uncertainty over future administrative priorities, suggesting that states may play a greater role in children's privacy protection through a patchwork of laws with common opt-in requirements and thresholds for compliance. Despite political changes, the FTC's unanimous approval of the amendments signals regulatory stability for children's privacy online.