What is the primary objective of **COPPA**?

**The primary objective of COPPA is to protect the online privacy of children under 13 by requiring verifiable parental consent before operators collect, use, or disclose their personal information.** Enacted in 1998 and effective April 21, 2000, COPPA mandates operators of commercial websites, online services, mobile apps, and IoT devices directed to children—or with actual knowledge of collecting their data—to post privacy policies, limit collection to necessities, ensure data security, and provide parental access, review, and deletion rights (16 CFR Part 312).

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **COPPA**?

**Operators of commercial websites, online services, mobile apps, and IoT devices that are directed to children under 13 or have actual knowledge of collecting personal information from them must comply with COPPA.** This includes entities collecting or benefiting from such data (e.g., ad networks), with extraterritorial application to services processing U.S. children's data; non-profits are exempt unless commercial activities apply.

Does **COPPA** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**COPPA does not mandate external audits or third-party certification for all operators but allows participation in FTC-approved safe harbor programs, which involve self-regulatory audits.** Examples include iKeepSafe (approved 2014) and ESRB modifications (2018), providing a compliance safe harbor if audited by approved entities.

How often should an assessment for **COPPA** be performed?

**COPPA does not prescribe a fixed frequency for assessments, but operators must continuously ensure compliance through ongoing data minimization, retention only as necessary, and deletion via reasonable measures.** Regular internal reviews are recommended to address evolving tech like AI personalization and to monitor for "actual knowledge" via analytics.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **COPPA**?

**Non-compliance with COPPA results in civil penalties up to $43,792 per violation, enforced by the FTC as unfair or deceptive practices under Section 5 of the FTC Act, with state AGs able to sue.** Notable cases include YouTube's $170 million fine in 2019 for unconsented tracking on child-directed content.

An **COPPA** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, COPPA can be mapped to other international frameworks, serving as a U.S. baseline for child privacy with global deterrence for services targeting U.S. children.** Its strict under-13 consent and broad personal information definition (e.g., persistent identifiers, geolocation) align with aspects of frameworks like GDPR's child provisions, though COPPA is narrower in scope.

What is the first step to begin implementing **COPPA**?

**The first step to implement COPPA is to conduct an audience analysis to determine if your service is directed to children under 13 or has actual knowledge of their data collection.** This involves screening for child-appeal factors (e.g., cartoons, games) and posting a comprehensive privacy policy detailing data practices.

What is the primary objective of **C-TPAT**?

**C-TPAT's primary objective is to secure U.S. and international supply chains from terrorist intrusion through a voluntary public-private partnership with CBP.** Partners implement and document Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) across 12 domains including risk assessment, cybersecurity, and physical access controls, enabling CBP to focus resources on higher-risk shipments while providing certified partners with trade facilitation benefits like reduced examinations covering over 52% of U.S. imports by value.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **C-TPAT**?

**C-TPAT compliance is voluntary with no legal mandate, but CBP evaluates eligibility case-by-case for trade entities demonstrating supply chain security excellence and no significant security incidents.** Eligible partners include over 11,400 certified entities such as U.S. importers, exporters, highway/rail/sea/air carriers, customs brokers, 3PLs, consolidators, NVOCCs, marine port/terminal operators, and foreign manufacturers; non-participation increases examination risks but is not penalized directly.

Does **C-TPAT** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**C-TPAT does not require external audits or third-party certification; CBP conducts risk-based validations instead.** These collaborative, pre-announced reviews by Supply Chain Security Specialists (SCSS) verify Security Profile implementation against MSC, lasting no more than 10 working days with 30 days' notice; partners must maintain internal validation processes, but validations are not regulatory audits.

How often should an assessment for **C-TPAT** be performed?

**C-TPAT requires annual risk assessments and Security Profile updates, with more frequent reviews as risks change.** Partners must conduct documented overall supply chain risk assessments per CBP's five-step methodology, reviewing them yearly or upon triggers like partner changes, incidents, or threats; internal validations support ongoing compliance ahead of CBP revalidations typically every four years.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **C-TPAT**?

**Non-compliance with C-TPAT results in suspension or removal of trade facilitation benefits until remediation.** Significant validation weaknesses trigger corrective action plans; unresolved issues lead to higher-risk targeting, increased examinations, loss of FAST lanes/front-of-line privileges, and potential program removal, though no direct fines apply as it is voluntary.

An **C-TPAT** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, C-TPAT maps to international AEO programs via 19 Mutual Recognition Arrangements as of June 2025.** These include equivalency with EU, Canada, Mexico, Japan, UK, India, Brazil, and others for security validations, enabling reciprocal trusted trader benefits while maintaining distinct compliance requirements like U.S. 10+2 filings.

What is the first step to begin implementing **C-TPAT**?

**The first step to implement C-TPAT is submitting a Company Profile and Security Profile via the secure C-TPAT Portal.** This includes basic corporate details, MSC-aligned responses demonstrating controls, and a signed MOU; CBP reviews within 90 days, assigning Tier I status upon approval before validation.

COPPA vs C-TPAT

Standards Comparison

COPPA

Mandatory

1998

U.S. regulation requiring parental consent for children's online personal data

C-TPAT

Voluntary

2001

U.S. voluntary partnership securing supply chains against terrorism.

Quick Verdict

COPPA mandates parental consent for children's online data, protecting kids under 13 via FTC enforcement. C-TPAT is voluntary supply chain security partnership offering trade benefits. Companies adopt COPPA for legal compliance, C-TPAT for faster customs processing.

Children Privacy

COPPA

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Requires verifiable parental consent before collecting data from children under 13
Broad personal information definition includes persistent IDs and geolocation
Covers child-directed websites, apps, IoT with actual knowledge of users
FTC enforces with $43,792 per-violation penalties and massive settlements
Grants parents rights to access, review, delete child's collected data

Supply Chain Security

C-TPAT

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)

Cost

€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Voluntary trusted trader partnership with CBP
Tailored Minimum Security Criteria by partner type
Risk-based validations and revalidations
Reduced CBP exams and FAST lane access
Global Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs)

Detailed Analysis

A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

COPPA Details

What It Is

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), enacted in 1998 and effective 2000, is a U.S. federal regulation enforced by the FTC. It targets commercial operators of websites, apps, and IoT devices collecting personal data from children under 13, mandating parental control to prevent unauthorized collection, use, or disclosure. Its strict, consent-based approach expanded in 2013 to cover persistent identifiers, geolocation, and multimedia.

Key Components

Verifiable parental consent (VPC) via 11+ methods like credit cards or video calls.
Comprehensive privacy notices and data security requirements.
Parental rights to review, delete, and revoke data access.
Defined personal information (16 CFR Part 312) with data minimization principles.
Safe harbor programs for self-regulation, audited by FTC-approved entities.

Why Organizations Use It

Ensures legal compliance amid rising enforcement (e.g., YouTube's $170M fine), mitigates risks of crippling penalties ($43,792/violation), builds parental trust, and avoids reputation damage. Offers competitive edge in child-focused markets like edtech and gaming.

Implementation Overview

Conduct audience analysis for child-directed content, post privacy policies, deploy age screens and VPC mechanisms, limit data collection, secure storage. Applies to U.S.-targeting operators globally; no formal certification but FTC oversight and safe harbors. Typical for websites/apps; scalable via tools for SMBs.

C-TPAT Details

What It Is

C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary U.S. public-private partnership led by CBP to secure international supply chains. Its primary purpose is preventing terrorism and criminal threats through risk-based security practices, covering partners like importers, carriers, and manufacturers.

Key Components

12 Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) domains: risk assessment, business partners, cybersecurity, physical access, personnel, conveyances, seals, procedural, agricultural, and training.
Built on governance, self-assessment, and CBP validations.
Tiered certification (Tier 1-3) with continuous improvement via Best Practices Framework.

Why Organizations Use It

**Trade facilitationreduced inspections, FAST lanes, priority processing.
Enhances resilience, meets partner requirements, builds reputation.
No legal mandate but competitive edge in U.S. imports (>52% value covered).

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, profile development, internal validation, CBP site visits.
Applies to supply chain entities; scalable by size/industry.
Validation/revalidation required, no formal certification fee.

Key Differences

Aspect	COPPA	C-TPAT
Scope	Children's online personal data privacy	International supply chain security
Industry	Online services, apps, websites globally	Importers, carriers, logistics U.S. trade
Nature	Mandatory FTC regulation with consent	Voluntary CBP partnership with validation
Testing	FTC enforcement investigations, no certs	CBP risk-based validations, revalidations
Penalties	$43k per violation, FTC fines	Benefit suspension, no direct fines

Scope

COPPA

Children's online personal data privacy

C-TPAT

International supply chain security

Industry

COPPA

Online services, apps, websites globally

C-TPAT

Importers, carriers, logistics U.S. trade

Nature

COPPA

Mandatory FTC regulation with consent

C-TPAT

Voluntary CBP partnership with validation

Testing

COPPA

FTC enforcement investigations, no certs

C-TPAT

CBP risk-based validations, revalidations

Penalties

COPPA

$43k per violation, FTC fines

C-TPAT

Benefit suspension, no direct fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about COPPA and C-TPAT

COPPA FAQ

C-TPAT FAQ

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COPPA

C-TPAT

Quick Verdict

COPPA

Key Features

C-TPAT

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

COPPA Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

C-TPAT Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

COPPA FAQ

What is the primary objective of COPPA?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with COPPA?

Does COPPA require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for COPPA be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with COPPA?

An COPPA be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing COPPA?

C-TPAT FAQ

What is the primary objective of C-TPAT?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with C-TPAT?

Does C-TPAT require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for C-TPAT be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with C-TPAT?

An C-TPAT be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing C-TPAT?

You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

The Regulatory Radar: How Data-Driven Compliance Tools Provide Strategic Foresight

NIST CSF 2.0 Plain English Decoder: Translating Govern, Supply Chain, and Core Functions from Jargon to Actionable Insights

The SOC Maturity Roadmap: A 5-Step Blueprint for Scaling from Ad-Hoc to Optimized Operations

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

PCI DSS vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

NIST 800-171 vs LEED

SOX vs NERC CIP