WASHINGTON—Today, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, known as “COPPA 2.0,” was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite lawmakers’ good intentions, this proposed update, similar to its Senate companion, would not accomplish its goal of helping make digital tools safer for children.
If implemented, COPPA 2.0 would undermine a variety of online services providing educational tools and resources, raise the cost of apps and services for young people, and give more power to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is already misusing its existing authority and disregarding congressional oversight.
“Parents are looking for ways to help keep their kids safe online and have a more positive digital experience. But in lawmakers’ rush to be able to tell parents they have ‘done something’ with legislation, bills like COPPA 2.0 result in policy that diminishes the benefits of technology for children, teens and their parents,” said Carl Szabo, NetChoice Vice President & General Counsel. “The bill also further empowers Biden’s FTC enforcers under Chair Lina Khan, who is under congressional investigation for abusing her existing power. Lawmakers should hesitate to delegate more.”
Please contact Krista Chavez at press@netchoice.org with inquiries.