WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation designed to protect children and teens online. The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) strengthens and modernizes provisions in the original Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by updating privacy laws, cracking down on harmful data collection and holding Big Tech companies accountable for harm and manipulation of children online.

In 1998, the original Children’s Online Privacy Act (COPPA) was signed in law, establishing basic privacy protections, including parental consent requirements to protect users under 13 years of age. While this legislation took major steps toward safeguarding children’s personal information online, this law predates smartphones and the modern internet – including tracking, algorithms, and other potentially harmful advancements.

“As the online environment evolves, it’s critical that we update how we protect our children from consuming online content that could be detrimental to their development and safety,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan, bicameral Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act will ensure that our children are guarded from pervasive tracking and targeting, often used by companies or bad actors looking to manipulate our young family members. Maine has a strong tradition of supporting digital literacy and learning, and this bill will act as a backstop for the online safety of our children.” 

The bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Senators Edward Markey (D-MA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NN), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). 

Organizations supporting COPPA 2.0 include the AASA, The School Superintendents Association, American Federation of Teachers, Association of Educational Service Agencies, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Consortium for School Networking, Council of the Great City Schools, National Association for Pupil Transportation, National Education Association, National Rural Education Association, National School Boards Association, Public Interest Privacy Center, and Public Knowledge. 

Earlier this year, Senator King joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in supporting the Kids Online Safety Act, legislation designed to protect minors online, hold Big Tech accountable for harm to children and provide transparency into these companies’ online algorithms. He has also been a long-time advocate for mental health resources, having introduced several pieces of legislation to address the crisis, including legislation to support social-emotional learning for children and a bill to increase access to mental health resources in schools. In 2022, he introduced a bipartisan resolution to mark May 5^th as National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.

###