{
  "schema_version": "1.1",
  "id": "coppa-child-means-under-13",
  "slug": "coppa-child-means-under-13",
  "url": "https://groundedkit.com/claims/coppa-child-means-under-13/",
  "api_url": "https://groundedkit.com/api/claims/coppa-child-means-under-13.json",
  "claim": "COPPA defines a child as an individual under the age of 13",
  "commonly_cited_as": "\"COPPA applies to kids under 13\"",
  "verdict": "verified",
  "verdict_definition": "Primary source found; it says the same thing, the scope matches, and it is reasonably current.",
  "confidence": "high",
  "rating": {
    "value": 5,
    "best": 5,
    "worst": 1
  },
  "origin": {
    "publisher": "Federal Trade Commission (16 CFR Part 312)",
    "title": "Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule), § 312.2 Definitions",
    "year": "2025"
  },
  "quote": "Child means an individual under the age of 13.",
  "method": "Federal regulation text (eCFR).",
  "drift": [
    "Teens 13–17 are not covered by COPPA, though some state laws cover them"
  ],
  "interest": "n/a (statute or regulation).",
  "safe_rephrasing": "The FTC's COPPA Rule defines a child as an individual under 13; collecting their personal information online requires verifiable parental consent.",
  "sources": [
    {
      "title": "16 CFR Part 312 (eCFR)",
      "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-312",
      "primary": true
    }
  ],
  "kind": "reference_fact",
  "as_of": "eCFR current text (as amended Apr. 22, 2025)",
  "last_checked": "2026-10-16",
  "stale": false,
  "date_reviewed": "2026-10-16",
  "license": "CC BY 4.0",
  "license_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"
}