What is COPPA and why does 22 April 2026 matter?

COPPA is the US children’s privacy law. The 22 April 2026 COPPA compliance deadline highlights stricter controls on collecting and using children’s data. Companies must prove consent, limit tracking, and document safeguards. Investors should expect higher compliance spending, updates to risk factors, and potential enforcement if firms miss required controls.

How do US state privacy laws affect Australian companies?

If an Australian company has US users, it can fall under multiple US state privacy laws. That means varied consent rules, opt‑out rights, and data limits by state. Legal and engineering work increases as firms align policies and systems. Expect higher costs, slower rollouts, and added disclosure on enforcement risk.

What is Maryland MODPA enforcement?

Maryland’s MODPA adds strict rules on sensitive data, youth protections, and targeted ads. Enforcement means regulators can act on violations, driving the need for stronger data mapping, minimisation, and opt‑out handling. Investors should watch for rising OPEX, vendor changes, and governance updates as companies align with these requirements.

What does Rhode Island’s no‑cure law mean for risk?

No cure period means companies may face penalties without time to fix issues first. That speeds enforcement and raises legal exposure for firms using ad identifiers or data brokers. Investors should ask about rapid remediation plans, incident playbooks, and whether management tests controls across all active US states.

Law and Government

February 18: State AGs ramp up privacy enforcement as COPPA nears

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 18, 2026

On 18 February, we see data privacy regulations tighten in the United States as state attorneys general step up actions ahead of the 22 April COPPA compliance deadline. Strict state laws, including Maryland’s MODPA and Rhode Island’s no‑cure approach, now move into active enforcement. For Australian portfolios with exposure to ad‑tech, gaming, health media, and data brokers, we expect higher compliance costs and disclosure updates. We will track how data privacy regulations change guidance, margins, and legal reserves in 1H 2026.