Ford states that its websites and services are not intended for children under 13 and that it will delete any data it discovers was collected from a child under 13.
This analysis describes what Ford'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 establishes a baseline compliance posture under COPPA; however, Ford's connected vehicle data collection may indirectly capture information related to minors who are passengers or secondary drivers.
Interpretive note: The policy addresses direct website collection from children under 13 but does not explicitly address indirect data collection from minors through connected vehicle features or family account structures, creating interpretive uncertainty about full COPPA scope.
Ford's updated privacy policy now explicitly states it governs data collection, use, sharing, and protection across all Ford websites, apps, and services, rather than limiting its scope to ford.com and owner.ford.com. This expanded framing indicates the policy applies more broadly to Ford's digital properties and potentially to data collected through connected vehicles and mobile applications. The policy continues to require vehicle owners to inform other drivers and passengers about privacy safeguards and to perform a Master/User Reset before selling or transferring a vehicle.
View change record →The updated privacy policy effective January 16, 2026 modifies how Ford will notify you if it makes material changes to this policy. Previously, the language stated Ford would provide notice to enable you to exercise rights regarding your personal information. The revised language now states notice will be provided 'as may be required by law,' meaning Ford's obligation to notify you depends on applicable legal requirements rather than a contractual commitment to advance notice. Additionally, the policy clarifies connected vehicle data sharing icons and descriptions to better explain when Vehicle Data, Vehicle Location, and Driving Data are being transmitted from your vehicle.
View change record →The updated privacy policy establishes a more structured disclosure framework with explicit California privacy rights information and cookie consent management. The revised terms now route California residents to supplemental privacy notices that explain collection practices and provide mechanisms to exercise privacy rights. The removal of specific language describing customer review collection processes and dealership moderation standards means these details are now consolidated into the main privacy notice rather than appearing in review-specific sections. You can access California-specific privacy rights and consent options through the links provided in the updated privacy notice.
View change record →Parents should be aware that while Ford's policy prohibits intentional data collection from children under 13, connected vehicle systems may capture data in contexts where minors are present as passengers or secondary account holders.
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"Our websites and services are not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information.Excerpt from Ford's Privacy Policy
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13.
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This establishes a baseline compliance posture under COPPA; however, Ford's connected vehicle data collection may indirectly capture information related to minors who are passengers or secondary drivers.
Parents should be aware that while Ford's policy prohibits intentional data collection from children under 13, connected vehicle systems may capture data in contexts where minors are present as passengers or secondary account holders.
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