Google Supports Major US Privacy Law for Young Users

Published Date : 6/27/2025 

Google's endorsement of COPPA 2.0 marks a pivotal moment in US digital privacy legislation, aiming to protect children and teens from data exploitation. The bill expands federal safeguards to teens aged 13-16, banning targeted ads and introducing a 'eraser button' for data deletion. With bipartisan support, the legislation faces renewed momentum amid growing public concern over youth online safety. 

Google’s recent endorsement of the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) has sparked significant attention in the tech and policy sectors. This landmark legislation, backed by senators from both major parties, aims to modernize the 1998 original COPPA law by extending privacy protections to teenagers aged 13 to 16. The move comes as the Senate Commerce Committee prepares to review the bill, signaling a potential shift in how tech companies handle data from young users. n nCOPPA 2.0 represents a major overhaul of existing privacy frameworks. It introduces measures like banning targeted advertising for children and teens, requiring platforms to offer a 'data eraser button' for minors, and enforcing stricter data minimization rules. These provisions address a critical gap in the original law, which only protected users under 13. By expanding protections to teens, the bill seeks to counter the growing exploitation of young people’s data for profit. n nGoogle’s involvement is particularly notable. As one of the largest tech companies globally, its support for COPPA 2.0 sends a strong message to both lawmakers and competitors. The company’s president of global affairs, Kent Walker, praised the bill’s intent, stating that Google is committed to creating safer online experiences for kids and teens. This endorsement contrasts with past resistance from tech giants to similar regulations, which often prioritize ad-driven revenue models over user privacy. n nThe legislation’s bipartisan backing highlights its growing political appeal. Co-sponsored by Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), COPPA 2.0 has garnered support from over 80 advocacy groups, including Common Sense Media and the American Academy of Pediatrics. These organizations argue that the bill is essential to combat exploitative business practices that target vulnerable youth. For example, critics warn that data-driven manipulation is now routine in gaming and social media, with minors facing constant exposure to harmful content. n nKey provisions of COPPA 2.0 include revising the 'actual knowledge' standard, which previously allowed companies to evade responsibility for collecting data from underage users. Under the new rules, platforms would be held accountable for any data collected from users aged 13 to 16 without explicit consent. This change addresses a long-standing loophole in the original COPPA law, which critics say has enabled widespread data harvesting of young users. n nThe bill’s supporters also emphasize its potential to address the youth mental health crisis. Advocates argue that targeted advertising and data collection practices contribute to issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, and disordered eating. For instance, Dr. S. Bryn Austin of the Eating Disorders Coalition highlighted the ethical concerns of exposing teens with eating disorders to ads for weight-loss products. COPPA 2.0 aims to disrupt these harmful practices by limiting data collection and giving parents more control over their children’s online experiences. n nDespite its momentum, COPPA 2.0 has faced challenges. While the bill passed the Senate with a 91–3 vote in July 2024, it stalled in the House. Senator Markey has criticized past failures to prioritize the legislation, including its exclusion from a continuing resolution in December 2024. However, Google’s endorsement is seen as a turning point, potentially reinvigorating bipartisan efforts to pass the bill during the 119th Congress. n nThe impact of COPPA 2.0 extends beyond privacy. Advocates argue that the legislation could reshape the digital ecosystem by forcing platforms to adopt more ethical data practices. Haley Hinkle of Fairplay noted that the bill could 'disrupt the business model that capitalizes on our kids’ attention at the expense of their physical and mental wellbeing.' This shift could lead to broader industry changes, as companies adapt to stricter regulations. n nAs the debate continues, the role of public opinion remains critical. With growing awareness of digital privacy issues, lawmakers face increasing pressure to act. Google’s support for COPPA 2.0 underscores the company’s recognition of the need for balance between innovation and user safety. While the bill’s final outcome is uncertain, its introduction marks a significant step toward protecting the next generation from the risks of an increasingly data-driven world. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is COPPA 2.0 and why is it important?

A: COPPA 2.0 is a proposed US privacy law that expands the original 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act to include teenagers aged 13-16. It aims to protect young users from data exploitation by banning targeted advertising, requiring data deletion options, and enforcing stricter privacy rules. This is critical as teens face increasing risks from online data collection and manipulation.

Q: Why is Google supporting COPPA 2.0?

A: Google’s endorsement of COPPA 2.0 signals a strategic shift in its approach to privacy regulations. As a major tech company, Google recognizes the growing public and political pressure to protect minors online. The bill aligns with its commitment to creating safer digital experiences, even as it challenges traditional ad-driven revenue models.

Q: What are the key provisions of COPPA 2.0?

A: COPPA 2.0 includes banning targeted ads for children and teens, introducing a 'data eraser button' for minors, and revising the 'actual knowledge' standard to hold companies accountable for collecting data from underage users. It also enforces data minimization rules to limit unnecessary information collection.

Q: How does COPPA 2.0 address the youth mental health crisis?

A: The bill targets exploitative practices that contribute to mental health issues, such as targeted advertising for harmful products. By restricting data collection and ads, COPPA 2.0 aims to reduce exposure to content that exacerbates anxiety, low self-esteem, and disordered eating among teens.

Q: What is the current status of COPPA 2.0?

A: COPPA 2.0 passed the Senate with bipartisan support in July 2024 but stalled in the House. Advocates hope Google’s endorsement will reignite efforts to pass the bill during the 119th Congress, with renewed bipartisan momentum and public pressure on lawmakers. 

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