Which group is most affected by the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act?

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) specifically aims to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13. This legislation imposes certain requirements on operators of websites or online services that are directed to children, requiring them to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children. This law recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of young children in the online environment, ensuring that their personal data is safeguarded against misuse.

The focus of the law is not on teenagers, parents, or corporations but is designed primarily to protect younger children who may not fully understand the implications of sharing their personal information online. Given this framework, the choice that aligns best with the intent and provisions of COPPA is children under 13 years of age.