Children’s Privacy Laws: Significant Changes for Young Users
Recent legislative changes reflect a growing focus on the protection of children’s privacy online in the United States. Multistate and federal regulatory actions aimed at safeguarding minors’ personal information and restricting harmful content are underway. These modifications are crucial for protecting young users in today’s digital landscape.
Key Legislative Developments in Children’s Privacy
Throughout 2025 and into early 2026, several significant laws and amendments have been introduced across various states. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued new amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) on April 22, 2025. Notably, on June 27, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Texas law requiring age verification for adult content websites.
Supreme Court Ruling on Age Verification
The landmark Supreme Court case Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton reaffirmed that Texas could mandate age verification for users accessing adult content. This ruling emphasizes that while adults can view this content, they must comply with age verification processes to prevent access by minors.
- Decision Date: June 27, 2025
- Vote Margin: 6-3
- Relevant Law: HB 1181
Provisions of HB 1181
HB 1181 requires operators of websites with significant sexual content to implement reliable age verification processes. These can include methods such as:
- Government-issued IDs
- Transactional data checks
- Digital identification systems
Failure to comply with this legislation can lead to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day and more if minors gain access inadvertently.
State-Level Privacy Legislation Initiatives
In addition to federal measures, various states are proactively enhancing their children’s privacy laws. More than 25 states have introduced or enacted laws requiring age verification to protect minors from harmful content.
Examples of State Initiatives
- Age-Appropriate Design Codes: States like California and Vermont have established design regulations to ensure that online platforms prioritize children’s privacy.
- Device-Based Filters: States such as Alabama and Utah mandate default content filters on devices accessible to minors.
- App Store Accountability: California and Texas require app marketplaces to verify user ages and gather parental consent for minors downloading apps.
Impact of Children’s Data Protection Laws
Beyond COPPA, several states have enacted their own children’s data protection laws imposing stricter requirements for handling minors’ personal information. These laws primarily focus on:
- Consent for targeted advertising
- Data minimization practices
- Prohibiting dark patterns that mislead minors
Future Implications for Compliance
As states continue to pass these children’s privacy laws, regulatory oversight will likely increase, with substantial penalties for non-compliance. Businesses that operate online must reassess their strategies concerning children’s data security, aiming to establish effective age verification processes and parental consent mechanisms.
Maintaining compliance in this evolving legislative environment is crucial for online platforms, especially those with content aimed at or accessible by minors. Businesses should be prepared for active enforcement by state attorneys general and adapt accordingly to mitigate risks associated with these new laws.
