Who is responsible for enforcing COPPA?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This law was enacted to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 by requiring parental consent before information can be collected from children online. The FTC oversees compliance with COPPA, providing guidance to businesses and taking enforcement actions against those that violate the law. This includes investigating complaints and ensuring that companies follow the rules set forth by COPPA regarding the collection and use of children’s personal information.

The other agencies listed do not enforce COPPA: the FCC focuses on communications laws, the DOJ handles criminal investigations and federal lawsuits, and the CPSC is concerned with product safety, particularly regarding consumer products. Each agency has distinct areas of jurisdiction, making the FTC the appropriate and designated enforcer for COPPA.