(NEWSnet/AP) — U.S. Federal Trade Commission is proposing changes to a decades-old law that regulates how online companies can track and advertise to children.

It includes turning off targeted ads to users under age 13 by default and limiting push notification.

The federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, requires child-oriented apps and websites to get parental consent before collecting personal information of children under 13. COPPA was enacted in 1998, went into effect in 2000 and was updated a decade ago.

“Kids must be able to play and learn online without being endlessly tracked by companies looking to hoard and monetize their personal data,” said Lina Khan who chairs FTC. “The proposed changes to COPPA are much-needed, especially in an era where online tools are essential for navigating daily life — and where firms are deploying increasingly sophisticated digital tools to surveil children.”

Children’s online safety advocates applauded the announcement.

“The commission’s plan will limit data uses involving children and help prevent companies from exploiting their information,” said Katharina Kopp, director of policy at the nonprofit Center for Digital Democracy. “These rules will also protect young people from being targeted through the increasing use of AI, which now further fuels data collection efforts. Young people 12 and under deserve a digital environment that is designed to be safer for them and that fosters their health and well-being.

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