The digital landscape in Colorado is set to become safer for minors with the amendment to the “Colorado Privacy Act,” effective October 1, 2025. This update introduces stronger protections for the personal data of children and teenagers when processed by online services. For businesses operating in the Coloradotech Online sphere and targeting Colorado residents, understanding these changes is crucial for compliance and building trust with users and their families.
Key Changes to the Colorado Privacy Act Regarding Minors
This amendment specifically addresses scenarios where processing a minor’s data presents a heightened risk of harm. It applies broadly to any entity (controller) doing business in Colorado or offering online products or services to Colorado residents, regardless of revenue size. This means that whether you are a small startup in the coloradotech online sector or a large corporation, these rules apply if you serve Colorado’s online users.
Enhanced Protections for Minors Online
For any online service, product, or feature knowingly offered to minors, controllers must exercise reasonable care to prevent heightened risks of harm. Furthermore, if a service presents a heightened risk to minors, a Data Protection Assessment must be conducted and regularly reviewed. This proactive approach emphasizes preventative measures within the coloradotech online industry to safeguard younger users.
Restrictions on Processing Minors’ Data Without Consent
The amended act places significant restrictions on how a minor’s personal data can be processed without explicit consent. Unless a minor (or their parent/guardian for those under 13) consents, controllers are prohibited from using a minor’s data for:
- Targeted advertising, selling personal data, or profiling that could lead to legally significant decisions. This prevents manipulative advertising practices often seen in the coloradotech online environment.
- Processing data for purposes beyond what was disclosed at collection or purposes not reasonably necessary for the disclosed purpose. Transparency in data usage is paramount under this amendment for all coloradotech online services.
- Retaining data longer than reasonably necessary to provide the service or product. Data minimization is a key principle, ensuring that coloradotech online platforms do not indefinitely store minors’ information.
Further Prohibitions to Protect Minors
Beyond processing limitations, the act also prohibits:
- Using system design features to encourage prolonged use by minors. This tackles addictive design elements often criticized in the coloradotech online space.
- Collecting precise geolocation data from minors, except in specific, limited circumstances. Protecting minors’ location privacy is a significant step for responsible coloradotech online practices.
Age Verification and Liability
Importantly, the act does not mandate age verification systems. However, it provides a safe harbor for controllers who use commercially reasonable age estimation methods. Those employing such methods will not be held liable for unintentional errors in age estimation. This pragmatic approach acknowledges the challenges of age verification in the coloradotech online world while encouraging responsible efforts.
Enforcement
Enforcement of these amendments will be handled by the Colorado Attorney General and district attorneys, using the same mechanisms as the existing “Colorado Privacy Act.” This includes notifying controllers of violations and providing a cure period. Therefore, proactive compliance within the coloradotech online sector is the most effective strategy.
Conclusion
The updated Colorado Privacy Act marks a significant step forward in protecting minors’ data privacy within the coloradotech online sphere. By understanding and adhering to these enhanced regulations, businesses can contribute to a safer and more responsible online environment for young users in Colorado. As October 2025 approaches, companies operating in the coloradotech online space should prioritize reviewing their data processing practices and ensuring full compliance with these important amendments.
