What Are the Safeguards for Children and Young Adults Purchasing Products or Services Online?

When children and young adults make online purchases, they are vulnerable to potential risks, such as exposure to inappropriate content, privacy violations, and financial fraud. Various safeguards are in place to protect young consumers, aiming to ensure their safety and uphold their rights while shopping online.

Safeguards for Children and Young Adults

1. Parental Consent and Oversight:

• Parental Approval: Many websites and online services require parental consent before a child under the age of 13 can make a purchase or even create an account. This is in line with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the U.S., which mandates that companies obtain verifiable consent from parents before collecting personal data from children.
• Parental Control Features: Some e-commerce platforms offer tools for parents to monitor and control their child's online shopping activities, including setting spending limits or restricting access to certain websites.

2. Age Verification:

• Age-Restricted Products: Certain products and services, such as alcohol, tobacco, or adult content, are restricted based on age. E-commerce platforms use age verification mechanisms (e.g., entering a birthdate) to ensure compliance with legal age restrictions.
• Social Media and Online Games: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or gaming sites use age checks to restrict users from accessing age-inappropriate content or making in-game purchases.

3. Data Protection and Privacy Laws:

• GDPR and CCPA: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the U.S. include provisions for children’s privacy, such as the right for parents to access, modify, or delete their child's data.
• Privacy Policies: Websites are required to display clear privacy policies that explain how children's data will be used. This ensures transparency and helps parents understand the risks involved.

4. Secure Payment Methods:

• Safe Payment Options: Payment systems used by e-commerce sites generally include encryption and security features to protect young buyers from fraud. For example, platforms like PayPal and credit card services often offer protection against unauthorized charges.
• Prepaid Cards or Gift Cards: To avoid exposing minors to full financial transactions, parents can use prepaid cards or gift cards, which limit the scope of purchases and make monitoring easier.

5. Consumer Protection and Refund Policies:

• Refund and Return Rights: Online businesses are legally required to provide clear information about their refund and return policies, helping ensure that children or young adults are not scammed or left with unwanted products.
• Protection Against Fraud: Many online platforms have measures to prevent fraudulent transactions, including monitoring for suspicious purchasing patterns and providing buyer protection programs that cover the costs of undelivered or defective goods.

6. Restrictions on Targeted Marketing:

• Limitations on Advertising: Laws like COPPA prohibit companies from targeting children with deceptive advertising or using personal information to influence their purchasing decisions. For example, ads targeted at children must avoid exploiting their inexperience with commercial messages.
• Opt-Out Features: Children and young adults may also be given options to opt out of targeted advertising or digital marketing practices.

Example

Imagine a 14-year-old buying a video game online. The game platform requests the child to enter their date of birth to verify age and confirms that the game is appropriate for their age group. The website also requires parental consent for the transaction, allowing the parent to approve the purchase before the transaction is completed. Furthermore, the payment is processed through a secure, child-friendly payment method such as a gift card, which prevents the child from accessing any further financial information. If there are any issues with the game, the platform’s clear return policy ensures the child (with parental help) can request a refund.

These safeguards work together to help protect children and young adults from risks associated with online shopping while ensuring they can still enjoy the convenience and variety that e-commerce offers.