Understanding COSPA and COSA

The Kids' Online Safety and Privacy Act (COSA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) 2.0, together form a regulatory effort aimed at enhancing online safety for minors. COSA introduces a 'duty of care' for tech platforms, making them accountable for ensuring the safety of their online environments, while COPPA 2.0 expands protections to minors under 17, prohibiting targeted ads directed at this age group. This legislative effort arose from a growing acknowledgment of the need to protect all minors, not just those under 13, as their online exposure has significantly transformed since the original COPPA was enacted. The support for these bills stems largely from the urgency expressed by parents and advocates who have experienced tragic consequences tied to online interactions, such as cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content.