Acorns says it doesn't intentionally collect data from children under 13 without parental consent through its Acorns Early product, and will delete such data if found.
This analysis describes what Acorns's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision operationalizes Acorns' compliance framework under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by establishing parental consent requirements as a condition of data collection from users under 13, and creates a mechanism for data deletion upon notice of inadvertent collection.
The updated policy removes explicit language describing how data flows when users sign in via Apple or Google, including what information those services share with Acorns and how it is used. Previously, the policy stated that Acorns receives information such as name and email address through third-party sign-in services solely to manage accounts and provide services. The revised language also shifts the AI chatbot from an optional feature users 'may access' to a stated service Acorns 'uses' to direct users to internal articles. Users no longer have a published explanation of third-party sign-in data practices in the privacy notice, though the terms suggest data shared through third-party services remains subject to those providers' terms.
View change record →Parents using Acorns Early for their minor children's accounts should be aware that Acorns claims it only collects children's data with parental consent, but should verify that the consent mechanism they completed is documented and enforceable.
How other platforms handle this
Our platform is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information.
Our Services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that a child under 18 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information.
Our Services are not directed to children under the age of 16 and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If we become aware that a child under 16 has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete such information.
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"Acorns Early is designed for use by parents and guardians on behalf of minor children. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us at privacy@acorns.com so we can delete it promptly.— Excerpt from Acorns's Acorns Privacy Policy
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: COPPA (15 U.S.C. §6501-6506) enforced by the FTC, applicable to operators collecting personal information from children under 13; FTC COPPA Rule (16 CFR Part 312) requiring verifiable parental consent before collection; CCPA/CPRA which defines minors under 16 as a protected class requiring opt-in consent for data sale (§1798.120(c)). The Acorns Early debit/learning app's 'Build kids' money skills' positioning suggests it may be directed at children, triggering heightened COPPA scrutiny.
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This provision operationalizes Acorns' compliance framework under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by establishing parental consent requirements as a condition of data collection from users under 13, and creates a mechanism for data deletion upon notice of inadvertent collection.
Parents using Acorns Early for their minor children's accounts should be aware that Acorns claims it only collects children's data with parental consent, but should verify that the consent mechanism they completed is documented and enforceable.
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