Verifiable Parental Consent Report & Infographic

Read FPF’s report on the effectiveness of a key federal children’s privacy requirement known as verifiable parental consent (VPC). The Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) requires operators of child-directed services to provide parents with detailed, direct notice and obtain parents’ affirmative express consent – verifiable parental consent – before collecting personal information from kids. While companies are not required to use one of the Federal Trade Commission’s seven approved methods for obtaining VPC, most elect to do so.

FPF’s report, The State of Play: Is Verifiable Parental Consent Fit for Purpose?, and an accompanying infographic detail the mechanics of how VPC works; implementation challenges from both the parent and industry perspectives; and potential solutions, including alternative VPC methods and new regulatory approaches.

Download the report and infographic

FPF’s report builds on a previous discussion draft and feedback from stakeholders. Based on public comments about COPPA and additional insights from parents, advocates, industry representatives, and academics, the report details unique challenges with the current VPC mechanisms and approaches, as well as potential solutions.

To learn more, read FPF’s new report, The State of Play: Is Verifiable Parental Consent Fit for Purpose? in full, as well as its analysis of the new laws in California, Utah, and the United Kingdom that contain broader age assurance requirements.