Senator Markey Cheers FTC’s Revamped Rules for Protecting Kids’ Online Privacy

Washington (January 16, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement rejoicing in the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) conclusive regulation updating its Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) rule. Senators Markey and Bill Cassidy (D-La.) are the Senate creators of the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0).

“I commend the Federal Trade Commission for its bipartisan effort to revise the COPPA Rule, assisting it in keeping up with the continuously changing digital environment,” stated Senator Markey. “This revised rule enhances essential protections for children’s personal data and reaffirms our collective commitment to secure young users in the online sphere. By updating these regulations, the FTC is addressing a youth mental health emergency, partly instigated by Big Tech, and fostering a safer digital space that emphasizes privacy for children and families. I express gratitude to the Commission for its leadership and commitment to safeguarding the most defenseless among us through this significant bipartisan initiative.

“Although today’s decision is a significant advancement, Congress must still approve my Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act to broaden these safeguards to adolescents, prohibit targeted advertising towards children and teenagers, and provide young individuals with an eraser feature to eliminate their personal information. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with my colleagues to transform this legislation into law.”

The FTC enforces the COPPA regulation under its jurisdiction granted by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which Senator Markey introduced in 1998. The Commission last modified its COPPA rule in 2013. In September 2024, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed COPPA 2.0 by a voice vote. In July, the U.S. Senate approved the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, which included COPPA 2.0, with a 91-3 vote. In July 2023, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee unanimously endorsed COPPA 2.0.

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