As we look back at key privacy developments during 2025, one thing is clear: it was all about kids and teens. That trend seems likely to continue in 2026. The problem is, while there are very real concerns about the impact of online content and social media engagements on young people, legislative solutions – well-intentioned
children’s privacy
Countdown to COPPA Rule
The long-awaited updates to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule (Final Rule) took effect on June 23, 2025, with a compliance deadline of April 22, 2026. With this fast-approaching compliance deadline, businesses should be actively working to update backend systems to meet the new requirements.
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State Kids’ Privacy Laws Proliferate Despite Legal Challenges
State legislatures have continued to enact privacy laws aimed at protecting kids and teens despite significant—and often successful—legal challenges that largely focus on First Amendment flaws. Some laws have recently gone into effect, or will become effective soon, while others are not slated to take effect until 2027. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)…
Google Settles Children’s Privacy Class Action Lawsuit; Disney Settles DOJ Lawsuit and Faces Class Action
Google and two Disney companies recently settled lawsuits alleging that the companies violated children’s privacy laws, once again demonstrating a heightened interest in protecting children online and putting content creators and channel owners on notice that they will be subject to strict liability for violations of federal and state privacy laws. On August 18, 2025…
KOSA is Back and Still Controversial
On May 14, 2025, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), SB 1748, was reintroduced for the fourth time by original sponsor Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Thune (R-SD), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY). First introduced in 2022, and then again in 2023 and 2024, KOSA imposes a duty of care on…
FTC Finalizes Updates to Children’s Privacy Rule…Again
After a period of regulatory review under Chairman Andrew Ferguson, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule (COPPA Rule or the Rule), which was last updated in 2013. As we reported earlier this year, the FTC finalized its most recent…