If you’ve ever noticed a “Parental Consent” screen when setting up a new AI toy or educational app, you’ve met COPPA. In this guide on COPPA & AI Safety (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) we explain how the law protects children in 2026.
While the law has been around since 1998, a series of major amendments took effect on June 23, 2025, specifically designed to protect children from the unique risks of AI and biometric data collection.
At Family AI Lab, we believe technology should empower kids without exploiting them. Here is everything you need to know about the “new” COPPA and how to protect your child’s digital footprint in 2026.
What is COPPA, and Why is it Changing?
COPPA is a federal law enforced by the FTC that prohibits companies from collecting, using, or sharing personal information from children under 13 without “verifiable parental consent.”
In the 1990s, the law focused on names and addresses. Today, with smart toys and AI tutors, the definition of “personal information” has been significantly expanded to include:
- Biometric Identifiers: This includes fingerprints, voiceprints (common in AI voice toys), gait patterns, and facial templates.
- Government IDs: Birth certificates and state IDs are now explicitly protected.
- Mobile Numbers: These are now protected if used for more than just sending a one-time consent text.
The 2025 “Separate Consent” Rule: A Major Win for Parents
One of the most powerful updates for parents is the Mandatory Opt-In for Third-Party Disclosures.
Previously, companies often bundled their permissions. When you clicked “I Agree,” you were consenting to both the app working and the app selling your child’s data to advertisers or AI training companies. Now, companies must offer separate consents:
- Consent to Collect: To make the toy or app function.
- Consent to Share: To give that data to third parties for marketing or AI training.
Family AI Lab Tip: You can now legally say “Yes” to the toy working, but “No” to the company sharing your child’s voice recordings with outside advertisers.
Why AI Training is the New Frontier
The 2025 amendments specifically addressed a growing concern: Machine Learning. Many AI companies previously used children’s interactions to “train” their models. Under the new rules, companies cannot force you to consent to “AI training” as a condition for your child to use a service. If the app can function without using your child’s data to train its algorithm, the company must let you opt-out while still providing the service.
How Companies Must Verify You are “The Parent”
Under the updated rules, companies have new approved methods to prove you are actually the parent:
- Knowledge-Based Authentication: Answering dynamic questions that a child wouldn’t know.
- Facial Recognition: Matching a live selfie to your government-issued ID (the company must delete this image immediately after verification).
- Text Plus: A text message verification coupled with a secondary confirmation step.
Data Retention: No More “Forever” Storage
The 2025 rules clarified that companies cannot retain children’s data indefinitely. They may only keep it as long as “reasonably necessary” to fulfill the specific purpose for which it was collected. Once that purpose is met—for example, if you delete the app or the child turns 13—the company must delete the data. They can no longer archive your child’s voice or play patterns for future marketing.
Family AI Lab’s 3-Step Parental Action Plan
To ensure your family is fully protected, we recommend this routine for every new device:
- The Privacy Policy “Find” Test: Use
Ctrl+Fon a company’s privacy page to search for the word “Children” or “COPPA.” If they don’t have a dedicated section for minors, do not use the product. - The “Safe Harbor” Check: Look for a seal from an approved Safe Harbor program (like PRIVO or CARU). These organizations audit companies to ensure they aren’t just saying they are safe, but actually following the law.
- The Regular Audit: Every six months, go into the settings of your child’s favorite apps. Check the “Data” or “Privacy” tab to see if new permissions have been added and exercise your right to delete old chat histories.
Is Your Child’s Toy Safe?
Before buying the next “smart” gift, remember that your child has the right to be forgotten. Under COPPA, you can review exactly what data has been collected, revoke consent at any time, and demand the permanent deletion of your child’s information.
At Family AI Lab, our mission is to ensure every child benefits from technology’s promise without being exploited by its risks.
Stay vigilant, ask questions, and remember: Your child’s privacy starts with you.
Read more about Family AI Lab on our About page.