Meta · Meta Platform Policy

Restrictions on Children's Data

High severity
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What it is

You must not use Platform to collect data from or about users under the age of 13, or to offer services directed at children under 13, without our prior written approval.

Why it matters

This is a critical child safety provision — it means third-party apps cannot use Facebook's platform to collect data about young children, providing a layer of protection for minors using family-linked accounts.

Consumer impact

Meta's Platform Terms directly affect consumers because they determine what third-party apps and developers can do with personal data obtained from Facebook or Instagram, including profile information, friend lists, and activity data. The terms prohibit developers from selling platform data or using it for surveillance, but enforcement depends on developer compliance rather than Meta directly protecting users. You can review and remove third-party apps that have access to your Facebook account by visiting Facebook Settings, then 'Apps and Websites', to revoke permissions for any app you no longer trust or use.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC is the primary enforcement authority for COPPA, which directly governs collection of personal data from children under 13.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Meta Platform Policy
Entity
Meta
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 6, 2026
Last verified
April 4, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-001947
Document ID
CA-D-00022
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
4374fc1ff34a2283fed483234d25489ab19318606babb2f08722353374991450
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Meta | Document: Meta Platform Policy | Record: CA-P-001947
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:43:57 UTC | SHA-256: 4374fc1ff34a2283…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/meta/meta-platform-policy/restrictions-on-childrens-data/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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