FTC Clarifies COPPA Stance, Backs Age Verification Technologies for Platforms

The FTC issued a policy statement clarifying it will not pursue COPPA enforcement against platforms that collect and use personal data solely for age verification when strict safeguards are in place (purpose limitation, prompt deletion, strong security, transparency, limited sharing, and reasonable accuracy). This move aims to reduce regulatory friction, encourage adoption of modern age-verification tools over ineffective self-reported age gates, and signals a transitional step toward potential COPPA updates amid heightened focus on child online safety and privacy.