What does Preamble of S 836 do?

This bill amends the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998. The purpose of the amendment is to strengthen protections related to the online collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of children and teens. The bill aims to achieve these protections 'for other purposes'.

What does SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. of S 836 do?

This Act is formally titled the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act.

What does Online collection, use, disclosure, and deletion of personal of S 836 do?

This section addresses the online collection, use, disclosure, and deletion of personal information of children and teens.

What does Study and reports of mobile and online application oversight of S 836 do?

This section concerns the study and reports related to oversight and enforcement of mobile and online applications.

What does ONLINE COLLECTION, USE, DISCLOSURE, AND DELETION OF PERSONAL of S 836 do?

This section amends the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) to modify definitions related to operators, personal information, and the release of personal information. The definition of 'operator' is revised to include entities that allow others to collect personal information or permit users to publicly disclose personal information. The definition of 'personal information' is expanded to include various data points such as names, addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers, Social Security numbers, persistent identifiers, and biometric data. The definition of 'personal information' excludes audio files used solely as a replacement for written words or to perform a task, provided certain conditions are met regarding notice, deletion, and use. The section establishes a rule of construction for determining whether an operator has knowledge that a user is a child or teen, requiring consideration of objective circumstances and prohibiting the requirement for affirmative age collection or age verification functionality. The Commission is directed to issue guidance within 180 days of enactment to provide information and best practices regarding the determination of knowledge. Any regulations issued under this title must include a description and analysis of the impact on small entities per the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980.

What does STUDY AND REPORTS OF MOBILE AND ONLINE APPLICATION OVERSIGHT of S 836 do?

This section requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to submit an oversight report to specified congressional committees within three years of the Act's enactment. The oversight report must detail how platforms ensure mobile and online applications directed to children comply with the Act, related amendments, and FTC rules regarding unfair or deceptive marketing practices. The FTC must also submit an annual enforcement report to the same committees, starting one year after enactment. The annual enforcement report must include data on actions taken under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), investigations, open inquiries, and complaints received. The annual report must also contain policy or legislative recommendations to improve online protections for children and teens.

What does GAO STUDY. of S 836 do?

This section mandates a study by the Comptroller General regarding the privacy and mental health of teenagers using financial technology products. The study must identify the types of financial technology products teens are using. The study must also identify potential risks to teens' privacy and mental health related to these products. The study will assess whether existing laws adequately address these identified risks. The Comptroller General is required to submit a report of the study's findings and recommendations to Congress within one year of the section's enactment.

What does SEVERABILITY. of S 836 do?

This section establishes a severability clause for the Act. If any part of the Act is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the rest of the Act remains in effect.

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Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act — S. 836

Last updated: 3/5/2026 · Introduced: 3/4/2025

Author: Edward Markey (D-MA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) to expand the definition of 'personal information' to include biometric data and other identifiers, and broaden the definition of 'operator' to encompass entities facilitating data collection.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will be required to submit reports to Congress detailing how platforms ensure compliance with online privacy protections for children and teens, and provide recommendations for improvement.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will conduct a study on the privacy and mental health risks associated with teenagers' use of financial technology products, and report findings and recommendations to Congress.

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title; table of contents., and 6 more.

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