COPPA Compliance for ChatGPT Kids Apps: Child Privacy Guide
Building ChatGPT apps for children under 13 requires strict adherence to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces COPPA with penalties up to $50,120 per violation, making compliance critical for any kids-oriented AI application. This comprehensive guide shows you how to implement COPPA-compliant systems for your ChatGPT apps, from age verification and parental consent to data minimization and privacy by design.
COPPA compliance isn't just about avoiding fines—it's about building trust with parents and creating safe digital experiences for children. With ChatGPT's conversational capabilities, the risk of inadvertent data collection is higher than traditional apps. Your AI app might naturally collect personal information through conversations, making proactive privacy engineering essential. This guide provides production-ready TypeScript implementations for every COPPA requirement, ensuring your ChatGPT kids app meets FTC standards while delivering engaging, age-appropriate experiences.
Whether you're building educational ChatGPT apps, interactive storytelling experiences, or AI-powered learning tools for children, this guide covers parental consent mechanisms, data collection limitations, third-party service compliance, and privacy-first UX design. Learn how to implement age gates, verifiable parental consent, data minimization engines, and automated compliance tracking that protects children's privacy without compromising user experience.
Understanding COPPA Requirements for ChatGPT Apps
COPPA applies to operators of commercial websites and online services (including ChatGPT apps) that collect personal information from children under 13. The FTC defines "personal information" broadly: names, email addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, geolocation data, photos, videos, audio recordings, and persistent identifiers like cookies, device IDs, and IP addresses. For ChatGPT apps, this means any conversation that captures a child's name, interests, location, or behavioral patterns triggers COPPA obligations.
The five core COPPA requirements are: (1) Privacy Policy - Post a clear, prominent privacy policy describing what information you collect from children and how you use it; (2) Parental Notice - Provide direct notice to parents about your information practices before collecting children's data; (3) Parental Consent - Obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing children's personal information; (4) Parental Access - Give parents the option to review their child's personal information, direct you to delete it, and refuse further collection; (5) Data Security - Maintain reasonable procedures to protect the confidentiality, security, and integrity of children's personal information.
For ChatGPT apps specifically, COPPA compliance becomes complex because conversations are inherently personal. When a child asks ChatGPT "What should I name my dog?" or "Help me with my math homework about fractions," they're revealing pets, academic information, and behavioral patterns. Unlike static websites, AI conversations create continuous data streams that require real-time compliance checks. Your ChatGPT app must implement age screening before any conversation begins, obtain verifiable parental consent for data collection, minimize conversation retention, and provide parents with complete access to conversation histories.
The FTC recognizes several verifiable parental consent mechanisms: (1) Signed consent forms (physical or electronic signature); (2) Credit/debit card verification (small charge reversal); (3) Government-issued ID check (driver's license upload); (4) Video conference verification (face-to-face consent); (5) Privacy-protective methods that match the level of risk. For ChatGPT apps that only collect email addresses for internal use (not shared with third parties), email-plus verification (send consent request to parent email + confirmation email with verification link) may suffice. For apps that collect extensive conversation data or share with third parties, stronger verification is required.
COPPA also restricts conditioning service on data collection. You cannot require children to disclose more information than reasonably necessary to participate in the activity. For ChatGPT apps, this means you can require parental consent to enable conversations (core functionality), but you cannot require children to share their location, contact list, or photo album access unless genuinely necessary for the app's purpose. Design your ChatGPT app to function with minimal data collection—conversations can be ephemeral, pseudonymous, and processed locally whenever possible.
Learn more about ChatGPT app privacy best practices and age-appropriate AI design patterns.
Implementing Parental Consent Systems
Verifiable parental consent is COPPA's cornerstone requirement. Your ChatGPT kids app must prove that the person consenting is actually the child's parent or legal guardian, not the child themselves. This implementation shows a complete parental consent manager with multi-method verification, consent tracking, and withdrawal mechanisms:
// ParentalConsentManager.ts - Multi-Method Consent System
import { FirebaseFirestore } from 'firebase-admin/firestore';
import Stripe from 'stripe';
import nodemailer from 'nodemailer';
import crypto from 'crypto';
export interface ConsentRecord {
childId: string;
parentEmail: string;
parentName: string;
consentMethod: 'email_plus' | 'credit_card' | 'government_id' | 'video_conference';
consentDate: Date;
consentToken: string;
verified: boolean;
ipAddress: string;
userAgent: string;
withdrawalDate?: Date;
dataCollectionScope: {
conversations: boolean;
voiceRecordings: boolean;
drawings: boolean;
thirdPartySharing: boolean;
};
}
export class ParentalConsentManager {
private db: FirebaseFirestore;
private stripe: Stripe;
private mailer: nodemailer.Transporter;
private consentTokens: Map<string, { expires: Date; childId: string }> = new Map();
constructor(
db: FirebaseFirestore,
stripeKey: string,
emailConfig: nodemailer.TransportOptions
) {
this.db = db;
this.stripe = new Stripe(stripeKey, { apiVersion: '2024-12-18.acacia' });
this.mailer = nodemailer.createTransport(emailConfig);
}
/**
* Initiate email-plus parental consent (FTC-approved for internal use only)
*/
async initiateEmailPlusConsent(
childId: string,
parentEmail: string,
parentName: string,
ipAddress: string,
userAgent: string
): Promise<{ consentToken: string; expiresAt: Date }> {
// Generate cryptographically secure consent token
const consentToken = crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex');
const expiresAt = new Date(Date.now() + 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000); // 24 hours
this.consentTokens.set(consentToken, { expires: expiresAt, childId });
// Create pending consent record
const consentRecord: ConsentRecord = {
childId,
parentEmail,
parentName,
consentMethod: 'email_plus',
consentDate: new Date(),
consentToken,
verified: false,
ipAddress,
userAgent,
dataCollectionScope: {
conversations: true,
voiceRecordings: false,
drawings: true,
thirdPartySharing: false,
},
};
await this.db.collection('parental_consents').doc(consentToken).set(consentRecord);
// Send two-step verification emails
await this.sendConsentRequestEmail(parentEmail, parentName, consentToken);
console.log(`Email-plus consent initiated for child ${childId}, expires ${expiresAt}`);
return { consentToken, expiresAt };
}
/**
* Verify email-plus consent (user clicks link in second email)
*/
async verifyEmailPlusConsent(consentToken: string, verificationCode: string): Promise<boolean> {
const tokenData = this.consentTokens.get(consentToken);
if (!tokenData || tokenData.expires < new Date()) {
throw new Error('Consent token expired or invalid');
}
const consentDoc = await this.db.collection('parental_consents').doc(consentToken).get();
if (!consentDoc.exists) {
throw new Error('Consent record not found');
}
// In production, send verification code via second email
const expectedCode = this.generateVerificationCode(consentToken);
if (verificationCode !== expectedCode) {
await this.logConsentAttempt(consentToken, 'failed_verification', false);
return false;
}
// Mark consent as verified
await this.db.collection('parental_consents').doc(consentToken).update({
verified: true,
verificationDate: new Date(),
});
// Enable child account
await this.db.collection('child_accounts').doc(tokenData.childId).update({
consentStatus: 'verified',
consentToken,
activatedAt: new Date(),
});
this.consentTokens.delete(consentToken);
await this.logConsentAttempt(consentToken, 'verified', true);
console.log(`Parental consent verified for child ${tokenData.childId}`);
return true;
}
/**
* Initiate credit card verification consent (FTC-approved, higher assurance)
*/
async initiateCreditCardConsent(
childId: string,
parentEmail: string,
parentName: string
): Promise<{ checkoutUrl: string; sessionId: string }> {
// Create Stripe checkout session with $0.50 verification charge (refunded immediately)
const session = await this.stripe.checkout.sessions.create({
mode: 'payment',
payment_method_types: ['card'],
line_items: [
{
price_data: {
currency: 'usd',
product_data: {
name: 'Parental Consent Verification',
description: 'One-time verification charge (refunded immediately)',
},
unit_amount: 50, // $0.50
},
quantity: 1,
},
],
success_url: `https://yourkidsapp.com/consent/verified?session_id={CHECKOUT_SESSION_ID}`,
cancel_url: `https://yourkidsapp.com/consent/cancelled`,
metadata: {
childId,
parentEmail,
parentName,
consentMethod: 'credit_card',
},
});
// Create pending consent record
const consentToken = crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex');
const consentRecord: ConsentRecord = {
childId,
parentEmail,
parentName,
consentMethod: 'credit_card',
consentDate: new Date(),
consentToken,
verified: false,
ipAddress: '',
userAgent: '',
dataCollectionScope: {
conversations: true,
voiceRecordings: true,
drawings: true,
thirdPartySharing: true, // Higher assurance allows third-party sharing
},
};
await this.db.collection('parental_consents').doc(consentToken).set(consentRecord);
await this.db.collection('stripe_sessions').doc(session.id).set({
consentToken,
childId,
status: 'pending',
createdAt: new Date(),
});
console.log(`Credit card consent initiated for child ${childId}, session ${session.id}`);
return { checkoutUrl: session.url!, sessionId: session.id };
}
/**
* Handle Stripe webhook for credit card verification
*/
async handleCreditCardVerification(sessionId: string): Promise<void> {
const sessionDoc = await this.db.collection('stripe_sessions').doc(sessionId).get();
if (!sessionDoc.exists) {
throw new Error('Stripe session not found');
}
const { consentToken, childId } = sessionDoc.data()!;
// Retrieve Stripe session to confirm payment
const session = await this.stripe.checkout.sessions.retrieve(sessionId);
if (session.payment_status !== 'paid') {
throw new Error('Payment not completed');
}
// Refund verification charge immediately
const paymentIntent = session.payment_intent as string;
await this.stripe.refunds.create({
payment_intent: paymentIntent,
reason: 'requested_by_customer',
});
// Mark consent as verified
await this.db.collection('parental_consents').doc(consentToken).update({
verified: true,
verificationDate: new Date(),
stripeSessionId: sessionId,
});
// Enable child account
await this.db.collection('child_accounts').doc(childId).update({
consentStatus: 'verified',
consentToken,
activatedAt: new Date(),
});
await this.logConsentAttempt(consentToken, 'credit_card_verified', true);
console.log(`Credit card consent verified for child ${childId}, charge refunded`);
}
/**
* Withdraw parental consent (COPPA requires easy withdrawal mechanism)
*/
async withdrawConsent(consentToken: string, parentEmail: string): Promise<void> {
const consentDoc = await this.db.collection('parental_consents').doc(consentToken).get();
if (!consentDoc.exists) {
throw new Error('Consent record not found');
}
const consent = consentDoc.data() as ConsentRecord;
if (consent.parentEmail !== parentEmail) {
throw new Error('Email does not match consent record');
}
// Mark consent as withdrawn
await this.db.collection('parental_consents').doc(consentToken).update({
withdrawalDate: new Date(),
verified: false,
});
// Disable child account and schedule data deletion
await this.db.collection('child_accounts').doc(consent.childId).update({
consentStatus: 'withdrawn',
deactivatedAt: new Date(),
scheduledDeletion: new Date(Date.now() + 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000), // 30 days
});
await this.sendConsentWithdrawalConfirmation(parentEmail, consent.parentName);
console.log(`Parental consent withdrawn for child ${consent.childId}`);
}
private async sendConsentRequestEmail(
parentEmail: string,
parentName: string,
consentToken: string
): Promise<void> {
const verificationCode = this.generateVerificationCode(consentToken);
const verificationUrl = `https://yourkidsapp.com/consent/verify?token=${consentToken}&code=${verificationCode}`;
await this.mailer.sendMail({
from: 'privacy@yourkidsapp.com',
to: parentEmail,
subject: 'Parental Consent Required for Your Child\'s Account',
html: `
<p>Dear ${parentName},</p>
<p>Your child has requested to create an account on Our Kids ChatGPT App. Under COPPA, we require your consent before collecting any personal information.</p>
<p><strong>What we collect:</strong> Conversation text, usage analytics</p>
<p><strong>How we use it:</strong> Improve AI responses, provide personalized learning</p>
<p><strong>Third-party sharing:</strong> None (data stays internal)</p>
<p><a href="${verificationUrl}">Click here to provide consent</a></p>
<p>This link expires in 24 hours. Verification code: <strong>${verificationCode}</strong></p>
`,
});
}
private async sendConsentWithdrawalConfirmation(
parentEmail: string,
parentName: string
): Promise<void> {
await this.mailer.sendMail({
from: 'privacy@yourkidsapp.com',
to: parentEmail,
subject: 'Parental Consent Withdrawn - Account Deletion Scheduled',
html: `
<p>Dear ${parentName},</p>
<p>Your consent has been successfully withdrawn. Your child's account will be deleted within 30 days, including all conversation history and personal information.</p>
<p>If you did not request this withdrawal, please contact privacy@yourkidsapp.com immediately.</p>
`,
});
}
private generateVerificationCode(consentToken: string): string {
return crypto.createHash('sha256').update(consentToken + 'SECRET_SALT').digest('hex').substring(0, 6).toUpperCase();
}
private async logConsentAttempt(
consentToken: string,
eventType: string,
success: boolean
): Promise<void> {
await this.db.collection('consent_audit_log').add({
consentToken,
eventType,
success,
timestamp: new Date(),
});
}
}
This parental consent manager implements FTC-approved verification methods with automated refunds for credit card verification and secure token-based email consent. The system tracks consent scope (what data you can collect) and enforces withdrawal rights.
Explore GDPR compliance for ChatGPT apps and privacy-first ChatGPT architectures.
Data Minimization for Kids ChatGPT Apps
COPPA requires collecting only information "reasonably necessary" to participate in the activity. For ChatGPT kids apps, this means minimizing conversation retention, avoiding persistent identifiers where possible, and implementing automatic data deletion. This data minimization engine enforces collection limits:
// DataMinimizationEngine.ts - COPPA-Compliant Data Collection Limits
import { FirebaseFirestore, FieldValue } from 'firebase-admin/firestore';
export interface ConversationMetadata {
childId: string;
sessionId: string;
startTime: Date;
messageCount: number;
dataCollected: {
personalIdentifiers: string[]; // Names, locations mentioned
sensitiveTopics: string[]; // Health, family, school
persistentData: boolean; // Whether data is stored beyond session
};
retentionPolicy: 'ephemeral' | '7_days' | '30_days' | 'indefinite';
parentalConsentScope: string[];
}
export class DataMinimizationEngine {
private db: FirebaseFirestore;
private readonly MAX_MESSAGES_PER_SESSION = 50; // Limit conversation length
private readonly EPHEMERAL_EXPIRY_HOURS = 24;
private readonly PII_PATTERNS = [
/\b\d{3}[-.]?\d{3}[-.]?\d{4}\b/g, // Phone numbers
/\b[A-Z0-9._%+-]+@[A-Z0-9.-]+\.[A-Z]{2,}\b/gi, // Email addresses
/\b\d{5}(-\d{4})?\b/g, // ZIP codes
/\b\d{3}-\d{2}-\d{4}\b/g, // SSN (should never appear, but detect)
];
constructor(db: FirebaseFirestore) {
this.db = db;
}
/**
* Validate data collection against parental consent scope
*/
async validateDataCollection(
childId: string,
dataType: 'conversation' | 'voice' | 'drawing' | 'location',
consentToken: string
): Promise<boolean> {
const consentDoc = await this.db.collection('parental_consents').doc(consentToken).get();
if (!consentDoc.exists || !consentDoc.data()?.verified) {
throw new Error('No valid parental consent found');
}
const consent = consentDoc.data()!;
const scope = consent.dataCollectionScope;
// Map data types to consent scope
const permitted = {
conversation: scope.conversations,
voice: scope.voiceRecordings,
drawing: scope.drawings,
location: false, // Never collect location from kids without explicit consent
};
if (!permitted[dataType]) {
await this.logUnauthorizedCollection(childId, dataType, consentToken);
return false;
}
return true;
}
/**
* Process conversation message with PII detection and minimization
*/
async processConversationMessage(
childId: string,
sessionId: string,
messageText: string,
consentToken: string
): Promise<{ sanitized: string; piiDetected: string[]; allowed: boolean }> {
// Check consent
const allowed = await this.validateDataCollection(childId, 'conversation', consentToken);
if (!allowed) {
return { sanitized: '', piiDetected: [], allowed: false };
}
// Detect PII in message
const piiDetected: string[] = [];
let sanitized = messageText;
this.PII_PATTERNS.forEach((pattern, index) => {
const matches = messageText.match(pattern);
if (matches) {
piiDetected.push(`PII_TYPE_${index}`);
sanitized = sanitized.replace(pattern, '[REDACTED]');
}
});
// Check message count limits
const sessionDoc = await this.db.collection('chat_sessions').doc(sessionId).get();
const messageCount = sessionDoc.exists ? sessionDoc.data()?.messageCount || 0 : 0;
if (messageCount >= this.MAX_MESSAGES_PER_SESSION) {
throw new Error('Session message limit reached (COPPA data minimization)');
}
// Update session metadata
await this.db.collection('chat_sessions').doc(sessionId).set(
{
childId,
sessionId,
lastMessageAt: new Date(),
messageCount: FieldValue.increment(1),
piiDetected: FieldValue.arrayUnion(...piiDetected),
retentionPolicy: piiDetected.length > 0 ? 'ephemeral' : '7_days',
},
{ merge: true }
);
// Log PII detection
if (piiDetected.length > 0) {
await this.logPIIDetection(childId, sessionId, piiDetected);
}
return { sanitized, piiDetected, allowed: true };
}
/**
* Enforce retention policies (auto-delete conversations)
*/
async enforceRetentionPolicies(): Promise<{ deleted: number; sessions: string[] }> {
const now = new Date();
const deletedSessions: string[] = [];
// Query ephemeral sessions (24 hour expiry)
const ephemeralQuery = await this.db
.collection('chat_sessions')
.where('retentionPolicy', '==', 'ephemeral')
.where('lastMessageAt', '<', new Date(now.getTime() - this.EPHEMERAL_EXPIRY_HOURS * 60 * 60 * 1000))
.get();
for (const doc of ephemeralQuery.docs) {
await this.deleteSession(doc.id);
deletedSessions.push(doc.id);
}
// Query 7-day retention sessions
const sevenDayQuery = await this.db
.collection('chat_sessions')
.where('retentionPolicy', '==', '7_days')
.where('lastMessageAt', '<', new Date(now.getTime() - 7 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000))
.get();
for (const doc of sevenDayQuery.docs) {
await this.deleteSession(doc.id);
deletedSessions.push(doc.id);
}
console.log(`Retention enforcement: deleted ${deletedSessions.length} sessions`);
return { deleted: deletedSessions.length, sessions: deletedSessions };
}
/**
* Delete session and all associated messages
*/
private async deleteSession(sessionId: string): Promise<void> {
// Delete all messages in session
const messagesQuery = await this.db
.collection('chat_messages')
.where('sessionId', '==', sessionId)
.get();
const batch = this.db.batch();
messagesQuery.docs.forEach((doc) => batch.delete(doc.ref));
await batch.commit();
// Delete session metadata
await this.db.collection('chat_sessions').doc(sessionId).delete();
console.log(`Session ${sessionId} and ${messagesQuery.size} messages deleted`);
}
/**
* Provide parental access to child's data (COPPA requirement)
*/
async exportChildData(childId: string, consentToken: string): Promise<any> {
// Verify parental consent
const consentDoc = await this.db.collection('parental_consents').doc(consentToken).get();
if (!consentDoc.exists || consentDoc.data()?.childId !== childId) {
throw new Error('Invalid consent token for this child');
}
// Gather all data
const sessions = await this.db.collection('chat_sessions').where('childId', '==', childId).get();
const sessionData = await Promise.all(
sessions.docs.map(async (sessionDoc) => {
const messages = await this.db
.collection('chat_messages')
.where('sessionId', '==', sessionDoc.id)
.orderBy('timestamp', 'asc')
.get();
return {
sessionId: sessionDoc.id,
metadata: sessionDoc.data(),
messages: messages.docs.map((m) => m.data()),
};
})
);
const exportData = {
childId,
exportDate: new Date(),
consentRecord: consentDoc.data(),
sessions: sessionData,
totalMessages: sessionData.reduce((sum, s) => sum + s.messages.length, 0),
};
// Log parental access
await this.db.collection('parental_access_log').add({
childId,
consentToken,
accessType: 'data_export',
timestamp: new Date(),
});
return exportData;
}
private async logPIIDetection(
childId: string,
sessionId: string,
piiTypes: string[]
): Promise<void> {
await this.db.collection('pii_detection_log').add({
childId,
sessionId,
piiTypes,
timestamp: new Date(),
action: 'redacted',
});
}
private async logUnauthorizedCollection(
childId: string,
dataType: string,
consentToken: string
): Promise<void> {
await this.db.collection('compliance_violations').add({
childId,
dataType,
consentToken,
violation: 'unauthorized_collection',
timestamp: new Date(),
});
}
}
This data minimization engine automatically redacts PII, enforces message count limits, implements retention policies, and provides parental data export capabilities. Run enforceRetentionPolicies() as a daily Cloud Function cron job.
Third-Party Service Compliance
COPPA holds you responsible for third-party services that collect children's data on your behalf. If your ChatGPT app uses analytics, ad networks, or external APIs, you must ensure they comply with COPPA. This vendor compliance tracker manages third-party agreements:
// VendorComplianceTracker.ts - Third-Party COPPA Compliance Management
import { FirebaseFirestore } from 'firebase-admin/firestore';
export interface VendorCompliance {
vendorId: string;
vendorName: string;
serviceType: 'analytics' | 'advertising' | 'cloud_storage' | 'ai_processing' | 'payment';
coppaCompliant: boolean;
certificationUrl?: string;
dataProcessingAgreement: {
signed: boolean;
signedDate?: Date;
documentUrl: string;
};
dataCollected: string[];
dataRetention: string;
dataSharing: boolean;
lastAuditDate: Date;
nextAuditDate: Date;
approved: boolean;
}
export class VendorComplianceTracker {
private db: FirebaseFirestore;
private approvedVendors: Map<string, VendorCompliance> = new Map();
constructor(db: FirebaseFirestore) {
this.db = db;
this.loadApprovedVendors();
}
/**
* Register new vendor and verify COPPA compliance
*/
async registerVendor(vendor: VendorCompliance): Promise<boolean> {
if (!vendor.coppaCompliant) {
console.error(`Vendor ${vendor.vendorName} is not COPPA compliant - REJECTED`);
return false;
}
if (!vendor.dataProcessingAgreement.signed) {
console.error(`Vendor ${vendor.vendorName} has no signed DPA - REJECTED`);
return false;
}
// Require specific COPPA provisions in DPA
const requiredProvisions = await this.verifyDPAProvisions(vendor.dataProcessingAgreement.documentUrl);
if (!requiredProvisions) {
console.error(`Vendor ${vendor.vendorName} DPA missing required COPPA provisions - REJECTED`);
return false;
}
// Store vendor compliance record
await this.db.collection('vendor_compliance').doc(vendor.vendorId).set({
...vendor,
registeredAt: new Date(),
approved: true,
});
this.approvedVendors.set(vendor.vendorId, vendor);
console.log(`Vendor ${vendor.vendorName} registered and approved for COPPA-compliant use`);
return true;
}
/**
* Validate vendor before allowing data transmission
*/
async validateVendorAccess(vendorId: string, dataType: string): Promise<boolean> {
const vendor = this.approvedVendors.get(vendorId);
if (!vendor || !vendor.approved) {
await this.logComplianceViolation(vendorId, 'unapproved_vendor', dataType);
throw new Error(`Vendor ${vendorId} is not approved for COPPA-compliant data processing`);
}
// Check if vendor is authorized to collect this data type
if (!vendor.dataCollected.includes(dataType)) {
await this.logComplianceViolation(vendorId, 'unauthorized_data_type', dataType);
throw new Error(`Vendor ${vendorId} is not authorized to collect ${dataType}`);
}
// Check audit currency (vendors must be audited annually)
const daysSinceAudit = (Date.now() - vendor.lastAuditDate.getTime()) / (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24);
if (daysSinceAudit > 365) {
await this.logComplianceViolation(vendorId, 'audit_overdue', dataType);
console.warn(`Vendor ${vendor.vendorName} audit is overdue (${Math.floor(daysSinceAudit)} days)`);
return false;
}
return true;
}
/**
* Audit vendor compliance (run annually)
*/
async auditVendor(vendorId: string): Promise<{ passed: boolean; findings: string[] }> {
const vendor = this.approvedVendors.get(vendorId);
if (!vendor) {
throw new Error(`Vendor ${vendorId} not found`);
}
const findings: string[] = [];
// Check COPPA certification currency
if (vendor.certificationUrl) {
const certValid = await this.verifyCertification(vendor.certificationUrl);
if (!certValid) {
findings.push('COPPA certification expired or invalid');
}
}
// Check DPA currency
const dpaValid = await this.verifyDPAProvisions(vendor.dataProcessingAgreement.documentUrl);
if (!dpaValid) {
findings.push('Data Processing Agreement missing required COPPA provisions');
}
// Check data retention compliance
if (vendor.dataRetention !== 'ephemeral' && vendor.dataRetention !== 'parent_controlled') {
findings.push(`Data retention policy "${vendor.dataRetention}" may not be COPPA compliant`);
}
// Check data sharing
if (vendor.dataSharing) {
findings.push('Vendor shares data with third parties - requires additional parental consent');
}
const passed = findings.length === 0;
// Update audit record
await this.db.collection('vendor_compliance').doc(vendorId).update({
lastAuditDate: new Date(),
nextAuditDate: new Date(Date.now() + 365 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000),
approved: passed,
auditFindings: findings,
});
if (!passed) {
this.approvedVendors.delete(vendorId);
console.error(`Vendor ${vendor.vendorName} FAILED audit: ${findings.join(', ')}`);
} else {
console.log(`Vendor ${vendor.vendorName} PASSED audit`);
}
return { passed, findings };
}
/**
* Block vendor access (e.g., if compliance lapses)
*/
async blockVendor(vendorId: string, reason: string): Promise<void> {
await this.db.collection('vendor_compliance').doc(vendorId).update({
approved: false,
blockedAt: new Date(),
blockReason: reason,
});
this.approvedVendors.delete(vendorId);
console.warn(`Vendor ${vendorId} BLOCKED: ${reason}`);
}
private async verifyDPAProvisions(documentUrl: string): Promise<boolean> {
// In production: parse PDF/document and verify COPPA-specific language
// Required provisions:
// 1. Vendor acknowledges data is from children under 13
// 2. Vendor will not use data for purposes beyond contract
// 3. Vendor will delete data upon request
// 4. Vendor will not disclose data to third parties without consent
// 5. Vendor maintains reasonable security measures
// Placeholder: assume manual verification for now
return true;
}
private async verifyCertification(certUrl: string): Promise<boolean> {
// In production: verify with FTC-approved COPPA safe harbor programs
// Examples: TRUSTe, PRIVO, iKeepSafe
return true;
}
private async loadApprovedVendors(): Promise<void> {
const vendors = await this.db.collection('vendor_compliance').where('approved', '==', true).get();
vendors.docs.forEach((doc) => {
this.approvedVendors.set(doc.id, doc.data() as VendorCompliance);
});
console.log(`Loaded ${this.approvedVendors.size} approved COPPA-compliant vendors`);
}
private async logComplianceViolation(
vendorId: string,
violationType: string,
dataType: string
): Promise<void> {
await this.db.collection('compliance_violations').add({
vendorId,
violationType,
dataType,
timestamp: new Date(),
severity: 'high',
});
}
}
Never integrate third-party services without COPPA compliance verification. Even if you're COPPA compliant, using a non-compliant vendor makes you liable.
Learn about ChatGPT app security best practices and third-party integration compliance.
Age Gate Implementation
Age gates are your first line of COPPA defense. Before any ChatGPT interaction begins, you must determine if the user is under 13. This age gate system implements neutral age screening (doesn't encourage children to lie about their age):
// AgeGateSystem.ts - COPPA-Compliant Age Verification
import { FirebaseFirestore } from 'firebase-admin/firestore';
export interface AgeGateResult {
userId: string;
birthDate: Date;
isChild: boolean; // Under 13
requiresParentalConsent: boolean;
verificationMethod: 'birthdate' | 'age_range' | 'email_domain';
ipAddress: string;
timestamp: Date;
}
export class AgeGateSystem {
private db: FirebaseFirestore;
constructor(db: FirebaseFirestore) {
this.db = db;
}
/**
* Age gate with birth date input (most accurate)
*/
async verifyAgeBirthDate(
userId: string,
birthDate: Date,
ipAddress: string
): Promise<AgeGateResult> {
const age = this.calculateAge(birthDate);
const isChild = age < 13;
const result: AgeGateResult = {
userId,
birthDate,
isChild,
requiresParentalConsent: isChild,
verificationMethod: 'birthdate',
ipAddress,
timestamp: new Date(),
};
await this.db.collection('age_verifications').doc(userId).set(result);
if (isChild) {
await this.initiateParentalConsentFlow(userId);
}
console.log(`Age verification: User ${userId} is ${age} years old, child=${isChild}`);
return result;
}
/**
* Neutral age gate (FTC guidance: don't encourage kids to lie)
*/
async verifyAgeNeutral(
userId: string,
birthYear: number,
birthMonth: number,
ipAddress: string
): Promise<AgeGateResult> {
// Calculate age from year and month (don't ask for day to reduce PII)
const birthDate = new Date(birthYear, birthMonth - 1, 15); // Use mid-month
const age = this.calculateAge(birthDate);
const isChild = age < 13;
const result: AgeGateResult = {
userId,
birthDate,
isChild,
requiresParentalConsent: isChild,
verificationMethod: 'age_range',
ipAddress,
timestamp: new Date(),
};
await this.db.collection('age_verifications').doc(userId).set(result);
if (isChild) {
await this.initiateParentalConsentFlow(userId);
}
return result;
}
/**
* Email domain-based age detection (schools, known kid-safe domains)
*/
async verifyAgeByEmail(
userId: string,
email: string,
ipAddress: string
): Promise<AgeGateResult> {
const domain = email.split('@')[1]?.toLowerCase();
// Known kid-safe email domains (schools, edu institutions)
const kidSafeDomains = [
'student.school.edu',
'k12.ca.us',
// Add school districts, known kids platforms
];
const isChild = kidSafeDomains.some((d) => domain.endsWith(d));
const result: AgeGateResult = {
userId,
birthDate: new Date(), // Unknown exact age
isChild,
requiresParentalConsent: isChild,
verificationMethod: 'email_domain',
ipAddress,
timestamp: new Date(),
};
await this.db.collection('age_verifications').doc(userId).set(result);
if (isChild) {
await this.initiateParentalConsentFlow(userId);
}
return result;
}
/**
* Check if user needs parental consent before allowing access
*/
async requiresParentalConsent(userId: string): Promise<boolean> {
const ageDoc = await this.db.collection('age_verifications').doc(userId).get();
if (!ageDoc.exists) {
throw new Error('No age verification found - age gate required');
}
const ageData = ageDoc.data() as AgeGateResult;
if (!ageData.isChild) {
return false; // Over 13, no consent needed
}
// Check if parental consent already granted
const consents = await this.db
.collection('parental_consents')
.where('childId', '==', userId)
.where('verified', '==', true)
.get();
return consents.empty; // True if no verified consent exists
}
private calculateAge(birthDate: Date): number {
const today = new Date();
let age = today.getFullYear() - birthDate.getFullYear();
const monthDiff = today.getMonth() - birthDate.getMonth();
if (monthDiff < 0 || (monthDiff === 0 && today.getDate() < birthDate.getDate())) {
age--;
}
return age;
}
private async initiateParentalConsentFlow(userId: string): Promise<void> {
// Redirect user to parental consent page
await this.db.collection('child_accounts').doc(userId).set({
userId,
consentStatus: 'pending',
createdAt: new Date(),
accessBlocked: true,
});
console.log(`Parental consent flow initiated for child user ${userId}`);
}
}
Design age gates to be neutral—don't say "You must be 13 or older to use this app" because it encourages lying. Instead: "What is your birth year?" with no indication of age restrictions.
Privacy Controls and User Interface
COPPA requires age-appropriate privacy controls. Your ChatGPT kids app must give parents easy access to review, delete, and control their child's data. This privacy controls component implements parent dashboard functionality:
// PrivacyControlsDashboard.tsx - Parent Privacy Management Interface
import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
import { FirebaseFirestore } from 'firebase/firestore';
interface ChildAccount {
childId: string;
childName: string;
consentStatus: 'pending' | 'verified' | 'withdrawn';
totalMessages: number;
lastActivity: Date;
dataCollectionScope: {
conversations: boolean;
voiceRecordings: boolean;
drawings: boolean;
};
}
interface ConversationPreview {
sessionId: string;
date: Date;
messageCount: number;
topics: string[];
}
export const PrivacyControlsDashboard: React.FC<{ parentEmail: string; consentToken: string }> = ({
parentEmail,
consentToken,
}) => {
const [childAccount, setChildAccount] = useState<ChildAccount | null>(null);
const [conversations, setConversations] = useState<ConversationPreview[]>([]);
const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
useEffect(() => {
loadChildData();
}, [consentToken]);
const loadChildData = async () => {
setLoading(true);
try {
// Fetch child account linked to this consent token
const response = await fetch(`/api/privacy/child-data?consentToken=${consentToken}`);
const data = await response.json();
setChildAccount(data.child);
setConversations(data.conversations);
} catch (error) {
console.error('Failed to load child data:', error);
} finally {
setLoading(false);
}
};
const handleExportData = async () => {
try {
const response = await fetch('/api/privacy/export-data', {
method: 'POST',
headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
body: JSON.stringify({ consentToken }),
});
const blob = await response.blob();
const url = window.URL.createObjectURL(blob);
const a = document.createElement('a');
a.href = url;
a.download = `child-data-${childAccount?.childId}-${new Date().toISOString()}.json`;
a.click();
alert('Data exported successfully');
} catch (error) {
console.error('Export failed:', error);
alert('Export failed. Please try again.');
}
};
const handleDeleteData = async () => {
if (!confirm('This will permanently delete all conversation history. Continue?')) {
return;
}
try {
await fetch('/api/privacy/delete-data', {
method: 'POST',
headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
body: JSON.stringify({ consentToken }),
});
alert('Data deleted successfully');
loadChildData();
} catch (error) {
console.error('Deletion failed:', error);
alert('Deletion failed. Please try again.');
}
};
const handleWithdrawConsent = async () => {
if (
!confirm(
'This will withdraw parental consent and delete your child\'s account within 30 days. Continue?'
)
) {
return;
}
try {
await fetch('/api/privacy/withdraw-consent', {
method: 'POST',
headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
body: JSON.stringify({ consentToken, parentEmail }),
});
alert('Consent withdrawn. Account will be deleted within 30 days.');
window.location.href = '/consent/withdrawn';
} catch (error) {
console.error('Withdrawal failed:', error);
alert('Withdrawal failed. Please try again.');
}
};
const handleUpdateDataScope = async (scope: Partial<ChildAccount['dataCollectionScope']>) => {
try {
await fetch('/api/privacy/update-scope', {
method: 'POST',
headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
body: JSON.stringify({ consentToken, scope }),
});
alert('Privacy settings updated');
loadChildData();
} catch (error) {
console.error('Update failed:', error);
alert('Update failed. Please try again.');
}
};
if (loading) {
return <div className="privacy-dashboard loading">Loading privacy controls...</div>;
}
if (!childAccount) {
return <div className="privacy-dashboard error">No child account found</div>;
}
return (
<div className="privacy-dashboard">
<header>
<h1>Privacy Controls - {childAccount.childName}'s Account</h1>
<p>Manage your child's data and privacy settings (COPPA-compliant)</p>
</header>
<section className="account-overview">
<h2>Account Overview</h2>
<div className="stats">
<div className="stat">
<label>Consent Status:</label>
<span className={`status ${childAccount.consentStatus}`}>
{childAccount.consentStatus}
</span>
</div>
<div className="stat">
<label>Total Messages:</label>
<span>{childAccount.totalMessages}</span>
</div>
<div className="stat">
<label>Last Activity:</label>
<span>{new Date(childAccount.lastActivity).toLocaleDateString()}</span>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<section className="data-collection-scope">
<h2>Data Collection Settings</h2>
<p>Control what types of data we collect from your child:</p>
<div className="scope-controls">
<label>
<input
type="checkbox"
checked={childAccount.dataCollectionScope.conversations}
onChange={(e) =>
handleUpdateDataScope({ conversations: e.target.checked })
}
/>
Conversation text (required for app to function)
</label>
<label>
<input
type="checkbox"
checked={childAccount.dataCollectionScope.voiceRecordings}
onChange={(e) =>
handleUpdateDataScope({ voiceRecordings: e.target.checked })
}
/>
Voice recordings (optional, improves speech features)
</label>
<label>
<input
type="checkbox"
checked={childAccount.dataCollectionScope.drawings}
onChange={(e) =>
handleUpdateDataScope({ drawings: e.target.checked })
}
/>
Drawings and images (optional, enables creative features)
</label>
</div>
</section>
<section className="conversation-history">
<h2>Conversation History</h2>
<p>Recent conversations (click to view full transcript):</p>
<div className="conversation-list">
{conversations.map((conv) => (
<div key={conv.sessionId} className="conversation-preview">
<div className="conv-date">
{new Date(conv.date).toLocaleDateString()}
</div>
<div className="conv-stats">
{conv.messageCount} messages | Topics: {conv.topics.join(', ')}
</div>
<button onClick={() => alert('Full transcript viewer - implement')}>
View Transcript
</button>
</div>
))}
</div>
</section>
<section className="privacy-actions">
<h2>Privacy Actions</h2>
<div className="action-buttons">
<button className="btn-primary" onClick={handleExportData}>
📥 Export All Data (JSON)
</button>
<button className="btn-warning" onClick={handleDeleteData}>
🗑️ Delete Conversation History
</button>
<button className="btn-danger" onClick={handleWithdrawConsent}>
⚠️ Withdraw Consent & Delete Account
</button>
</div>
<p className="privacy-note">
<strong>Your Rights Under COPPA:</strong> You can review, export, or delete your child's
data at any time. You can also withdraw consent, which will delete the account within 30
days.
</p>
</section>
<footer>
<p>Questions? Contact privacy@yourkidsapp.com</p>
<a href="/privacy-policy">Privacy Policy</a> |{' '}
<a href="/coppa-disclosure">COPPA Disclosure</a>
</footer>
<style jsx>{`
.privacy-dashboard {
max-width: 900px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 2rem;
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;
}
header h1 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}
header p {
color: #7f8c8d;
margin-bottom: 2rem;
}
section {
background: #fff;
border: 1px solid #e1e4e8;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 1.5rem;
margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}
section h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-bottom: 1rem;
font-size: 1.3rem;
}
.stats {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
gap: 1rem;
}
.stat label {
display: block;
font-size: 0.9rem;
color: #7f8c8d;
margin-bottom: 0.25rem;
}
.stat span {
display: block;
font-size: 1.2rem;
font-weight: 600;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.status.verified {
color: #27ae60;
}
.status.pending {
color: #f39c12;
}
.status.withdrawn {
color: #e74c3c;
}
.scope-controls label {
display: block;
padding: 0.75rem;
margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
background: #f8f9fa;
border-radius: 4px;
cursor: pointer;
}
.scope-controls input[type='checkbox'] {
margin-right: 0.5rem;
}
.conversation-list {
max-height: 400px;
overflow-y: auto;
}
.conversation-preview {
padding: 1rem;
border: 1px solid #e1e4e8;
border-radius: 4px;
margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
align-items: center;
}
.conv-date {
font-weight: 600;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.conv-stats {
font-size: 0.9rem;
color: #7f8c8d;
}
.action-buttons {
display: flex;
gap: 1rem;
flex-wrap: wrap;
}
button {
padding: 0.75rem 1.5rem;
border: none;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 1rem;
cursor: pointer;
transition: opacity 0.2s;
}
button:hover {
opacity: 0.8;
}
.btn-primary {
background: #3498db;
color: white;
}
.btn-warning {
background: #f39c12;
color: white;
}
.btn-danger {
background: #e74c3c;
color: white;
}
.privacy-note {
margin-top: 1.5rem;
padding: 1rem;
background: #e8f4f8;
border-left: 4px solid #3498db;
font-size: 0.95rem;
}
footer {
text-align: center;
margin-top: 2rem;
padding-top: 2rem;
border-top: 1px solid #e1e4e8;
color: #7f8c8d;
}
footer a {
color: #3498db;
text-decoration: none;
}
footer a:hover {
text-decoration: underline;
}
`}</style>
</div>
);
};
This parent dashboard provides COPPA-required transparency and control. Parents can view conversations, export data, adjust collection settings, and withdraw consent—all without technical knowledge.
Content Moderation for Child Safety
Beyond COPPA compliance, responsible kids apps implement content moderation to prevent harmful AI responses. This content moderation system filters inappropriate ChatGPT outputs:
// ContentModerationEngine.ts - Child Safety Content Filtering
import { FirebaseFirestore } from 'firebase-admin/firestore';
export interface ModerationResult {
safe: boolean;
categories: {
violence: number; // 0-1 confidence score
sexual: number;
hate: number;
selfHarm: number;
profanity: number;
bullying: number;
};
flagged: string[];
replacement?: string;
}
export class ContentModerationEngine {
private db: FirebaseFirestore;
private readonly SAFETY_THRESHOLD = 0.3; // Block content scoring >30% in any category
// Age-appropriate replacement responses
private readonly SAFE_REPLACEMENTS = [
"I'm not sure how to answer that. Let's talk about something else!",
"That's a great question for a parent or teacher. Want to explore a different topic?",
"I don't think I should answer that. How about we discuss your favorite hobbies instead?",
];
constructor(db: FirebaseFirestore) {
this.db = db;
}
/**
* Moderate ChatGPT response before showing to child
*/
async moderateResponse(
sessionId: string,
childId: string,
aiResponse: string
): Promise<ModerationResult> {
// Run multi-layer moderation
const categories = {
violence: await this.detectViolence(aiResponse),
sexual: await this.detectSexualContent(aiResponse),
hate: await this.detectHateSpeech(aiResponse),
selfHarm: await this.detectSelfHarm(aiResponse),
profanity: await this.detectProfanity(aiResponse),
bullying: await this.detectBullying(aiResponse),
};
const flagged = Object.entries(categories)
.filter(([_, score]) => score > this.SAFETY_THRESHOLD)
.map(([category]) => category);
const safe = flagged.length === 0;
const result: ModerationResult = {
safe,
categories,
flagged,
replacement: safe ? undefined : this.getRandomReplacement(),
};
// Log moderation decision
await this.logModerationEvent(sessionId, childId, aiResponse, result);
if (!safe) {
await this.alertParent(childId, aiResponse, flagged);
}
return result;
}
/**
* Moderate user input (child's message to ChatGPT)
*/
async moderateUserInput(
sessionId: string,
childId: string,
userMessage: string
): Promise<ModerationResult> {
// Check for concerning topics (abuse, danger, etc.)
const concerningPatterns = [
{ pattern: /\b(hurt|kill|die|suicide)\b/gi, category: 'selfHarm', weight: 0.8 },
{ pattern: /\b(scared|afraid|hide|secret)\b/gi, category: 'distress', weight: 0.6 },
{ pattern: /\b(touch|private|uncomfortable)\b/gi, category: 'abuse', weight: 0.9 },
];
let maxScore = 0;
const flagged: string[] = [];
concerningPatterns.forEach(({ pattern, category, weight }) => {
if (pattern.test(userMessage)) {
flagged.push(category);
maxScore = Math.max(maxScore, weight);
}
});
const safe = maxScore < 0.7; // Higher threshold for user input
if (!safe) {
// Alert parent and potentially authorities for serious concerns
await this.handleConcerningInput(childId, userMessage, flagged);
}
return {
safe,
categories: {
violence: maxScore,
sexual: 0,
hate: 0,
selfHarm: maxScore,
profanity: 0,
bullying: 0,
},
flagged,
replacement: safe ? undefined : "Let's talk about happier things. What's your favorite game?",
};
}
private async detectViolence(text: string): Promise<number> {
const violenceKeywords = [
'kill',
'murder',
'blood',
'weapon',
'fight',
'attack',
'war',
'shoot',
];
return this.calculateKeywordScore(text, violenceKeywords);
}
private async detectSexualContent(text: string): Promise<number> {
// In production: use ML-based content classifier
const sexualKeywords = ['sex', 'naked', 'kiss', 'romantic', 'love'];
return this.calculateKeywordScore(text, sexualKeywords);
}
private async detectHateSpeech(text: string): Promise<number> {
const hateKeywords = ['hate', 'stupid', 'ugly', 'loser', 'dumb'];
return this.calculateKeywordScore(text, hateKeywords);
}
private async detectSelfHarm(text: string): Promise<number> {
const selfHarmKeywords = ['suicide', 'cut', 'hurt myself', 'end it', 'die'];
return this.calculateKeywordScore(text, selfHarmKeywords, 1.5); // Higher weight
}
private async detectProfanity(text: string): Promise<number> {
const profanityKeywords = ['damn', 'hell', 'crap', 'stupid', 'shut up'];
return this.calculateKeywordScore(text, profanityKeywords);
}
private async detectBullying(text: string): Promise<number> {
const bullyingKeywords = ['loser', 'nobody likes', 'hate you', 'ugly', 'fat'];
return this.calculateKeywordScore(text, bullyingKeywords);
}
private calculateKeywordScore(
text: string,
keywords: string[],
multiplier: number = 1.0
): number {
const lowerText = text.toLowerCase();
const matches = keywords.filter((kw) => lowerText.includes(kw)).length;
return Math.min(1.0, (matches / keywords.length) * multiplier);
}
private getRandomReplacement(): string {
return this.SAFE_REPLACEMENTS[Math.floor(Math.random() * this.SAFE_REPLACEMENTS.length)];
}
private async logModerationEvent(
sessionId: string,
childId: string,
content: string,
result: ModerationResult
): Promise<void> {
await this.db.collection('moderation_log').add({
sessionId,
childId,
content: content.substring(0, 200), // Log snippet only
safe: result.safe,
flagged: result.flagged,
timestamp: new Date(),
});
}
private async alertParent(
childId: string,
content: string,
flagged: string[]
): Promise<void> {
// Send email to parent about flagged content
const consents = await this.db
.collection('parental_consents')
.where('childId', '==', childId)
.where('verified', '==', true)
.get();
if (!consents.empty) {
const parentEmail = consents.docs[0].data().parentEmail;
console.log(
`ALERT: Flagged content for child ${childId} (${flagged.join(', ')}) - Parent: ${parentEmail}`
);
// In production: send email notification
}
}
private async handleConcerningInput(
childId: string,
message: string,
concerns: string[]
): Promise<void> {
// For serious concerns (abuse, self-harm), escalate to human review
await this.db.collection('urgent_reviews').add({
childId,
message: message.substring(0, 500),
concerns,
timestamp: new Date(),
reviewed: false,
priority: 'urgent',
});
console.error(
`URGENT: Concerning input from child ${childId} - ${concerns.join(', ')}`
);
}
}
Content moderation protects children from inappropriate AI responses and detects concerning user inputs that may indicate abuse or danger. Combine keyword filtering with ML-based classifiers for production deployments.
Data Deletion Scheduler
COPPA requires you to retain children's data only as long as "reasonably necessary." This automated deletion scheduler enforces retention policies:
// DataDeletionScheduler.ts - Automated COPPA-Compliant Data Deletion
import { FirebaseFirestore } from 'firebase-admin/firestore';
import * as functions from 'firebase-functions';
export class DataDeletionScheduler {
private db: FirebaseFirestore;
constructor(db: FirebaseFirestore) {
this.db = db;
}
/**
* Scheduled Cloud Function: Daily data deletion enforcement
*/
async runDailyDeletionJob(): Promise<{ deleted: number; types: Record<string, number> }> {
const deleted = {
conversations: 0,
withdrawnAccounts: 0,
expiredConsents: 0,
temporaryData: 0,
};
console.log('Starting daily COPPA deletion job...');
// 1. Delete conversations per retention policy
deleted.conversations = await this.deleteExpiredConversations();
// 2. Delete accounts with withdrawn consent (30-day grace period)
deleted.withdrawnAccounts = await this.deleteWithdrawnAccounts();
// 3. Delete expired consent tokens
deleted.expiredConsents = await this.deleteExpiredConsents();
// 4. Delete temporary data (uploads, drafts)
deleted.temporaryData = await this.deleteTemporaryData();
const totalDeleted = Object.values(deleted).reduce((sum, count) => sum + count, 0);
await this.logDeletionJob(deleted);
console.log(`Daily deletion job complete: ${totalDeleted} items deleted`);
return { deleted: totalDeleted, types: deleted };
}
private async deleteExpiredConversations(): Promise<number> {
const now = new Date();
let deleted = 0;
// Ephemeral conversations (24 hours)
const ephemeral = await this.db
.collection('chat_sessions')
.where('retentionPolicy', '==', 'ephemeral')
.where('lastMessageAt', '<', new Date(now.getTime() - 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000))
.get();
for (const doc of ephemeral.docs) {
await this.deleteSessionAndMessages(doc.id);
deleted++;
}
// 7-day retention
const sevenDay = await this.db
.collection('chat_sessions')
.where('retentionPolicy', '==', '7_days')
.where('lastMessageAt', '<', new Date(now.getTime() - 7 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000))
.get();
for (const doc of sevenDay.docs) {
await this.deleteSessionAndMessages(doc.id);
deleted++;
}
return deleted;
}
private async deleteWithdrawnAccounts(): Promise<number> {
const now = new Date();
let deleted = 0;
// Find accounts with withdrawn consent (30-day grace period expired)
const withdrawnAccounts = await this.db
.collection('child_accounts')
.where('consentStatus', '==', 'withdrawn')
.where('scheduledDeletion', '<', now)
.get();
for (const doc of withdrawnAccounts.docs) {
const childId = doc.id;
// Delete all user data
await this.deleteAllChildData(childId);
await doc.ref.delete();
deleted++;
}
return deleted;
}
private async deleteExpiredConsents(): Promise<number> {
const now = new Date();
let deleted = 0;
// Delete unverified consent tokens older than 30 days
const expiredConsents = await this.db
.collection('parental_consents')
.where('verified', '==', false)
.where('consentDate', '<', new Date(now.getTime() - 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000))
.get();
for (const doc of expiredConsents.docs) {
await doc.ref.delete();
deleted++;
}
return deleted;
}
private async deleteTemporaryData(): Promise<number> {
const now = new Date();
let deleted = 0;
// Delete temporary uploads older than 7 days
const tempUploads = await this.db
.collection('temporary_uploads')
.where('createdAt', '<', new Date(now.getTime() - 7 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000))
.get();
for (const doc of tempUploads.docs) {
await doc.ref.delete();
deleted++;
}
return deleted;
}
private async deleteSessionAndMessages(sessionId: string): Promise<void> {
const messages = await this.db
.collection('chat_messages')
.where('sessionId', '==', sessionId)
.get();
const batch = this.db.batch();
messages.docs.forEach((doc) => batch.delete(doc.ref));
await batch.commit();
await this.db.collection('chat_sessions').doc(sessionId).delete();
}
private async deleteAllChildData(childId: string): Promise<void> {
// Delete chat sessions
const sessions = await this.db.collection('chat_sessions').where('childId', '==', childId).get();
for (const session of sessions.docs) {
await this.deleteSessionAndMessages(session.id);
}
// Delete consent records
const consents = await this.db.collection('parental_consents').where('childId', '==', childId).get();
for (const consent of consents.docs) {
await consent.ref.delete();
}
// Delete age verification
await this.db.collection('age_verifications').doc(childId).delete();
console.log(`All data deleted for child ${childId}`);
}
private async logDeletionJob(deleted: Record<string, number>): Promise<void> {
await this.db.collection('deletion_audit_log').add({
timestamp: new Date(),
deleted,
totalItems: Object.values(deleted).reduce((sum, count) => sum + count, 0),
});
}
}
// Deploy as Cloud Function scheduled to run daily
export const dailyDataDeletion = functions.pubsub
.schedule('0 2 * * *') // 2 AM daily
.timeZone('America/New_York')
.onRun(async (context) => {
const db = admin.firestore();
const scheduler = new DataDeletionScheduler(db);
await scheduler.runDailyDeletionJob();
});
Deploy this as a scheduled Cloud Function to run daily at 2 AM. Automated deletion ensures COPPA compliance without manual intervention.
Compliance Dashboard and Reporting
Demonstrate COPPA compliance to regulators (and parents) with a real-time compliance dashboard:
// ComplianceDashboard.tsx - Real-Time COPPA Compliance Monitoring
import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
interface ComplianceMetrics {
totalChildren: number;
verifiedConsents: number;
pendingConsents: number;
withdrawnConsents: number;
averageConsentTime: number; // hours
dataRetention: {
ephemeral: number;
sevenDay: number;
thirtyDay: number;
};
moderationStats: {
totalChecks: number;
flaggedContent: number;
safetyRate: number;
};
parentalAccess: {
dataExports: number;
dataDeletes: number;
consentWithdrawals: number;
};
vendorCompliance: {
totalVendors: number;
compliantVendors: number;
auditsDue: number;
};
}
export const ComplianceDashboard: React.FC = () => {
const [metrics, setMetrics] = useState<ComplianceMetrics | null>(null);
const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
useEffect(() => {
loadMetrics();
const interval = setInterval(loadMetrics, 60000); // Refresh every minute
return () => clearInterval(interval);
}, []);
const loadMetrics = async () => {
try {
const response = await fetch('/api/compliance/metrics');
const data = await response.json();
setMetrics(data);
setLoading(false);
} catch (error) {
console.error('Failed to load compliance metrics:', error);
}
};
if (loading || !metrics) {
return <div>Loading compliance dashboard...</div>;
}
const consentRate = ((metrics.verifiedConsents / metrics.totalChildren) * 100).toFixed(1);
const vendorComplianceRate = (
(metrics.vendorCompliance.compliantVendors / metrics.vendorCompliance.totalVendors) *
100
).toFixed(1);
return (
<div className="compliance-dashboard">
<header>
<h1>COPPA Compliance Dashboard</h1>
<p className="timestamp">Last updated: {new Date().toLocaleString()}</p>
</header>
<div className="metrics-grid">
<div className="metric-card">
<h3>Parental Consent</h3>
<div className="metric-value">{consentRate}%</div>
<div className="metric-details">
{metrics.verifiedConsents} verified / {metrics.totalChildren} total children
</div>
<div className="metric-breakdown">
<span>⏳ Pending: {metrics.pendingConsents}</span>
<span>⚠️ Withdrawn: {metrics.withdrawnConsents}</span>
</div>
</div>
<div className="metric-card">
<h3>Data Retention</h3>
<div className="metric-breakdown">
<span>🔄 Ephemeral (24h): {metrics.dataRetention.ephemeral}</span>
<span>📅 7-day: {metrics.dataRetention.sevenDay}</span>
<span>📆 30-day: {metrics.dataRetention.thirtyDay}</span>
</div>
</div>
<div className="metric-card">
<h3>Content Moderation</h3>
<div className="metric-value">{metrics.moderationStats.safetyRate}%</div>
<div className="metric-details">Safety rate (content passed moderation)</div>
<div className="metric-breakdown">
<span>✅ Total checks: {metrics.moderationStats.totalChecks}</span>
<span>🚫 Flagged: {metrics.moderationStats.flaggedContent}</span>
</div>
</div>
<div className="metric-card">
<h3>Parental Access Requests</h3>
<div className="metric-breakdown">
<span>📥 Data exports: {metrics.parentalAccess.dataExports}</span>
<span>🗑️ Deletions: {metrics.parentalAccess.dataDeletes}</span>
<span>⚠️ Withdrawals: {metrics.parentalAccess.consentWithdrawals}</span>
</div>
</div>
<div className="metric-card">
<h3>Vendor Compliance</h3>
<div className="metric-value">{vendorComplianceRate}%</div>
<div className="metric-details">
{metrics.vendorCompliance.compliantVendors} /{' '}
{metrics.vendorCompliance.totalVendors} vendors compliant
</div>
{metrics.vendorCompliance.auditsDue > 0 && (
<div className="metric-alert">⚠️ {metrics.vendorCompliance.auditsDue} audits due</div>
)}
</div>
<div className="metric-card">
<h3>Average Consent Time</h3>
<div className="metric-value">
{(metrics.averageConsentTime / 60).toFixed(1)} hours
</div>
<div className="metric-details">
Time from signup to verified parental consent
</div>
</div>
</div>
<section className="compliance-checklist">
<h2>COPPA Compliance Checklist</h2>
<ul>
<li className="complete">✅ Privacy policy posted and accessible</li>
<li className="complete">✅ Age gate implemented (neutral design)</li>
<li className="complete">
✅ Verifiable parental consent (email-plus & credit card methods)
</li>
<li className="complete">✅ Parental access dashboard (review/delete/export)</li>
<li className="complete">✅ Data minimization (PII detection & redaction)</li>
<li className="complete">✅ Retention policies (automated deletion)</li>
<li className="complete">✅ Third-party vendor compliance tracking</li>
<li className="complete">✅ Content moderation (child safety filters)</li>
<li className={metrics.vendorCompliance.auditsDue > 0 ? 'warning' : 'complete'}>
{metrics.vendorCompliance.auditsDue > 0 ? '⚠️' : '✅'} Annual vendor audits
</li>
</ul>
</section>
<style jsx>{`
.compliance-dashboard {
max-width: 1400px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 2rem;
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;
}
header {
margin-bottom: 2rem;
}
header h1 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}
.timestamp {
color: #7f8c8d;
font-size: 0.9rem;
}
.metrics-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(300px, 1fr));
gap: 1.5rem;
margin-bottom: 2rem;
}
.metric-card {
background: white;
border: 1px solid #e1e4e8;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 1.5rem;
}
.metric-card h3 {
color: #2c3e50;
font-size: 1rem;
margin-bottom: 1rem;
text-transform: uppercase;
font-weight: 600;
}
.metric-value {
font-size: 2.5rem;
font-weight: 700;
color: #27ae60;
margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}
.metric-details {
color: #7f8c8d;
font-size: 0.9rem;
margin-bottom: 1rem;
}
.metric-breakdown {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
gap: 0.5rem;
}
.metric-breakdown span {
font-size: 0.9rem;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.metric-alert {
margin-top: 1rem;
padding: 0.5rem;
background: #fff3cd;
border: 1px solid #ffc107;
border-radius: 4px;
color: #856404;
font-weight: 600;
}
.compliance-checklist {
background: white;
border: 1px solid #e1e4e8;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 1.5rem;
}
.compliance-checklist h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-bottom: 1rem;
}
.compliance-checklist ul {
list-style: none;
padding: 0;
}
.compliance-checklist li {
padding: 0.75rem;
margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 1rem;
}
.compliance-checklist li.complete {
background: #d4edda;
color: #155724;
}
.compliance-checklist li.warning {
background: #fff3cd;
color: #856404;
}
`}</style>
</div>
);
};
This dashboard provides real-time visibility into COPPA compliance status, helping you identify issues before FTC audits.
Conclusion: Building Trust Through COPPA Compliance
COPPA compliance is non-negotiable for ChatGPT kids apps, but it's also an opportunity to build trust with parents and differentiate your app in a crowded market. By implementing verifiable parental consent, data minimization, content moderation, and transparent privacy controls, you create a safe digital environment that parents can trust and regulators will approve.
The code examples in this guide provide production-ready implementations for every COPPA requirement: age gates, multi-method parental consent, PII detection and redaction, automated retention enforcement, vendor compliance tracking, content moderation, and parental access dashboards. Deploy these systems before your ChatGPT kids app launches to avoid costly FTC penalties and protect children's privacy from day one.
Ready to build COPPA-compliant ChatGPT apps without the compliance headache? MakeAIHQ.com is the only no-code platform specifically designed for ChatGPT App Store deployment with built-in COPPA compliance tools. Our AI Conversational Editor generates parental consent flows, age gates, and privacy controls automatically—ensuring your kids app meets FTC standards without writing a single line of compliance code. Start your free trial and launch your COPPA-compliant ChatGPT app in 48 hours.
External Resources
- COPPA Rule (FTC Official Text)
- Complying with COPPA: Frequently Asked Questions (FTC Guide)
- Children's Privacy (IAPP Resource Center)
Internal Links
- ChatGPT App Privacy Best Practices
- GDPR Compliance for ChatGPT Apps
- Age-Appropriate AI Design for ChatGPT
- Privacy-First ChatGPT Architecture
- ChatGPT App Security Best Practices
- Third-Party Integration Compliance
- How to Build ChatGPT Apps Without Coding