What is the key purpose of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)?

The key purpose of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13 online. This federal law, enacted in 1998, specifically requires that websites and online services aimed at children obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children. The Act focuses on safeguarding children's personal data and ensuring that parents have control over what information is collected, thereby fostering a safer online environment for minors. This protection is crucial given the vulnerabilities of young users when interacting with digital platforms.

The other options, while they may relate to internet safety, do not accurately reflect the core goal of COPPA, which is centered firmly around the privacy rights of children.