[ GLOSSARY ]
What is COPPA?
Definition
Law and privacyCOPPA
COPPA, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, governs how online services collect and use personal information from children under 13.
Why it matters for schools
The amended COPPA rule applies from Apr 22, 2026. It bars keeping a child's data indefinitely, requires a written retention policy, and treats disclosures to train or develop AI as needing separate parental consent. In schools, a school may consent as the parent's agent, only in the educational context, and the FTC recommends that the school, not a teacher, decide. Not legal advice.
In Nexus
Nexus is for students 13 and older and enrolls no one under 13 without a school-authorized consent process.
[ FAQ ]
Questions and answers
Does COPPA apply to high schools?
COPPA covers children under 13, so it matters mainly for younger students and tools that may reach them.
Can AI companies train on children's data under COPPA?
Under the amended rule, disclosures to train AI need separate parental consent for children under 13.
Can a school consent under COPPA for students?
Existing FTC guidance lets a school consent as the parent's agent, in the educational context only.
[ SOURCES ]
Sources
Facts checked Oct 18, 2026.
- 1Federal Register, amended COPPA Rule (90 FR 16918)Apr 22, 2025 · govinfo.gov
- 2FTC, Complying with COPPA: Frequently Asked QuestionsRead Oct 18, 2026 · ftc.gov
- 3FTC, policy statement on education technology and COPPAMay 19, 2022 · ftc.gov
[ AI FOR SCHOOLS ]
The AI your school can approve.