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

**The primary objective of COPPA is to protect the privacy of children under 13 years old by limiting the collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information by operators of commercial websites, online services, mobile apps, and IoT devices.** Enacted in 1998 and effective April 21, 2000, COPPA mandates verifiable parental consent (VPC) before any such collection, placing parents in control. It targets operators directing content to children or having actual knowledge of collecting data from them, with 2013 amendments expanding "personal information" to include persistent identifiers like IP addresses and device IDs, geolocation data to street-level precision, and audio/video files with a child's image or voice.

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, like ad networks, with extraterritorial reach to services processing U.S. children's data. Non-profits are exempt if not commercial, but coverage extends to mixed-audience sites if behavioral signals indicate child users.

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

**COPPA does not mandate external audits or third-party certification for all operators, but participation in FTC-approved safe harbor programs involves audits by designated entities.** Examples include iKeepSafe (approved 2014) and ESRB modifications (2018), which provide compliance safe harbors through self-regulatory oversight. Operators must still post privacy policies, secure data, and ensure VPC independently.

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

**COPPA does not prescribe a fixed frequency for assessments, but operators should conduct regular internal reviews to maintain compliance with evolving FTC guidance and data practices.** Ongoing monitoring is essential due to dynamic enforcement, such as post-2013 amendments and Federal Register updates (e.g., 2019 comment periods), alongside documenting "actual knowledge" defenses via analytics and adapting to tech like AI personalization.

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.** Landmark cases include YouTube's $170 million fine in 2019 for unconsented tracking on child-directed content. Additional risks encompass reputational damage, data deletion mandates, and injunctions requiring operational changes.

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

**Yes, COPPA can be mapped to other international frameworks through shared principles like parental consent, data minimization, and child privacy protections, though specifics vary.** Its under-13 age threshold and VPC mechanisms align conceptually with global standards, aiding multinational operators targeting U.S. children via safe harbors and precedents.

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 risks actual knowledge of collecting their data.** Assess factors like child-appeal (e.g., cartoons, games), then post a comprehensive privacy policy, implement age screening, and prepare VPC mechanisms like credit card verification or video calls.

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

**The primary objective of SQF is to provide a rigorous, HACCP-based food safety management system that assures consistent production of safe food products across the supply chain.** Administered by the SQF Institute (SQFI), it combines **Module 2** (universal system elements like management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability, food defense, allergens, and training) with sector-specific Good Practices modules (e.g., **Module 11** for food manufacturing GMPs). This GFSI-benchmarked framework ensures "say what you do, do what you say, prove it" through documented, implemented, and verified controls.

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

**SQF compliance is not legally mandated but is a professional requirement for suppliers to major retailers, brand owners, and foodservice providers worldwide.** It applies to food manufacturing, storage/distribution, packaging, primary production, pet food, and supplements via Food Sector Categories (FSCs). Over 14,000 sites in 40+ countries pursue certification as a "license to trade," pairing **Module 2** with applicable GMP/GAP modules; sites must designate a full-time, HACCP-trained **SQF Practitioner**.

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

**Yes, SQF requires annual external audits by SQFI-licensed Certification Bodies (CBs) accredited to ISO/IEC 17065, culminating in third-party certification.** Initial certification, surveillance, and recertification audits (with unannounced audits every 3 years) use graded nonconformities (minor=1pt, major=5pts, critical=50pts) and scoring (E:96-100, G:86-95, C:70-85, F:<70). Certificates are publicly listed in the SQFI directory.

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

**SQF requires annual external certification audits, supplemented by ongoing internal audits and management reviews.** Internal audits (2.5.5) cover all elements continuously, with scheduled frequency ensuring full coverage; management reviews occur annually (2.1.3) with monthly **SQF Practitioner** updates. Pre-certification gap assessments are recommended 60-90 days prior.

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

**Non-compliance with SQF results in audit failure, certification denial/suspension, and commercial exclusion from GFSI-recognized supply chains.** Critical nonconformities (e.g., uncontrolled hazards) trigger immediate suspension; majors/minors require CAPA closure (often within 30 days). Loss of certification means duplicative buyer audits, market access denial, and heightened recall risks.

Can **SQF** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, SQF maps closely to GFSI-benchmarked frameworks through its HACCP foundation and management system structure.** **Module 2** aligns with universal elements like document control, CAPA, internal audits, and traceability, enabling layering of **SQF Quality Code** atop existing GFSI programs. It harmonizes with Codex Alimentarius and regulatory preventive controls without direct equivalence.

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

**The first step to implement SQF is to register the site in the SQFI assessment database and designate a full-time, on-site **SQF Practitioner**.** Select applicable modules (e.g., **Module 2** + **Module 11**), conduct a gap assessment against Edition 9 (effective May 2021), and secure senior management commitment via a signed food safety policy.

COPPA vs SQF | GRADUM

Standards Comparison

COPPA

Mandatory

1998

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

SQF

Voluntary

2023

GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification standard

Quick Verdict

COPPA mandates parental consent for children's online data, protecting kids under 13 on U.S. digital platforms. SQF certifies food safety systems via HACCP and audits for global supply chains. Companies adopt COPPA for legal compliance, SQF for market access and buyer trust.

Children Privacy

COPPA

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Mandates verifiable parental consent for under-13 data collection
Broad PII definition includes persistent IDs and geolocation
Targets child-directed websites, apps, and IoT devices
Requires privacy notices and parental access rights
FTC enforcement with $43,792 penalties per violation

Agile Scaling

SQF

Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9

Cost

€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Modular structure: Module 2 plus sector-specific GMPs
HACCP-based Food Safety Plan with validation
Mandatory on-site SQF Practitioner role
GFSI-benchmarked third-party certification audits
Traceability, recall, and crisis management requirements

Detailed Analysis

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

COPPA Details

What It Is

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), enacted in 1998 and effective 2000, is a U.S. federal regulation enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It safeguards children under 13 from unauthorized personal data collection by commercial websites, apps, and IoT devices directed at kids or with actual knowledge of users' age. Core approach empowers parents via verifiable consent before any collection, use, or disclosure.

Key Components

Verifiable parental consent (VPC) with 11+ methods like credit cards or video calls.
Expansive personal information (PII) definition: names, addresses, persistent IDs, geolocation, multimedia.
Requirements for privacy policies, data minimization, security, and parental review/deletion rights.
Safe harbor programs (e.g., ESRB, iKeepSafe) for audited compliance; no formal certification.

Why Organizations Use It

Avoids severe FTC penalties up to $43,792 per violation (e.g., YouTube's $170M fine).
Enables safe operation in child markets, reduces breach risks, builds parental trust.
Meets legal obligations for U.S.-targeted services globally; enhances reputation amid rising enforcement.

Implementation Overview

Assess child-directed status, deploy age gates, VPC mechanisms, policies.
Applies to all commercial operators handling kids' data; worldwide if targeting U.S. children.
Key steps: data audits, tech integrations, training; safe harbors optional for validation. Typical for small-to-large orgs in edtech, gaming, adtech.

SQF Details

What It Is

Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program and HACCP-based management system for ensuring food safety and quality across the supply chain, from farm to fork. Its primary scope covers manufacturing, storage, distribution, and more, using a risk-based, modular approach with universal system elements and sector-specific Good Practices.

Key Components

Modular architectureModule 2** (system elements like management commitment, HACCP plans, verification) paired with sector modules (e.g., Module 11 for GMPs).
Over 100 auditable requirements focused on PRPs, traceability, allergens, food defense.
Built on Codex HACCP principles; includes Food Safety and optional Quality Codes.
Third-party certification via annual audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).

Why Organizations Use It

Meets retailer/brand requirements as a 'license to trade'.
Reduces recalls, audit duplication; aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
Enhances risk management, supplier controls, resilience.
Builds stakeholder trust, market access, efficiency.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
Applies to all sizes/industries; SQF Practitioner required.
Global via licensed bodies; unannounced audits every 3 years.

Key Differences

Aspect	COPPA	SQF
Scope	Children's online privacy and data collection	Food safety management and quality systems
Industry	Online services, apps, websites targeting kids	Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally
Nature	Mandatory U.S. federal law enforced by FTC	Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification program
Testing	FTC investigations and compliance reviews	Annual third-party audits with unannounced checks
Penalties	$43,792 per violation, e.g. YouTube $170M	Loss of certification, no direct legal fines

Scope

COPPA

Children's online privacy and data collection

SQF

Food safety management and quality systems

Industry

COPPA

Online services, apps, websites targeting kids

SQF

Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally

Nature

COPPA

Mandatory U.S. federal law enforced by FTC

SQF

Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification program

Testing

COPPA

FTC investigations and compliance reviews

SQF

Annual third-party audits with unannounced checks

Penalties

COPPA

$43,792 per violation, e.g. YouTube $170M

SQF

Loss of certification, no direct legal fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about COPPA and SQF

COPPA FAQ

SQF FAQ

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COPPA

SQF

Quick Verdict

COPPA

Key Features

SQF

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

COPPA Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

SQF 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?

Can COPPA be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing COPPA?

SQF FAQ

What is the primary objective of SQF?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with SQF?

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

How often should an assessment for SQF be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with SQF?

Can SQF be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing SQF?

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Top 5 Audit Survival Secrets for Your First SOC 2 Type 2: What Auditors Really Check (and How to Pass)

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Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

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GLBA vs EN 1090

ISO 14001 vs SOX

ISO 20000 vs GDPR UK