FTC Updates Children's Privacy Rules to Require Separate Parental Consent for Ads

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 16, 2025—Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced an update to strengthen the Children's Online Privacy Protection (COPPA) rule, including requiring new, separate consent from parents before children can be targeted with behavioral ads. In response, Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer made the following statement:

"Congress has not updated the COPPA statute in over 25 years, which has taken a toll on the privacy and safety of our nation's kids and families. With today's updated rule, the FTC helps data privacy protections enter the 21st century by ensuring that behavioral ads are off by default. The final rule also ensures that in the age of AI, children's personal information cannot be retained indefinitely.

"Common Sense Media applauds the FTC for its bipartisan commitment to protect children's privacy in a changing digital environment. We are especially pleased to see that companies will not be able to share children's personal information with third parties, including for targeted advertising, unless the parents specifically opt in and consent to such practices. These important changes mean that parents who want their children to use online platforms can do so without worrying that their children's information will be shared with countless third parties, including for the purposes of targeted ads. While today's rule may not include all of Common Sense Media's recommendations to the commission, it is a very strong rule that will give parents peace of mind and help ensure that children's privacy is protected today and in the future."

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