COPPA-certified ad SDKs used in children's apps

COPPA §312.5 and §312.7 prohibit using ad networks in children's apps that collect persistent identifiers or engage in behavioural targeting unless those networks are COPPA-certified. Using AdMob mediation in a Kids app without explicitly disabling non-certified mediated networks means you cannot guarantee which network actually served an ad — and if a non-certified network served it, you are liable. The FTC has pursued enforcement actions against app developers for exactly this configuration gap, resulting in consent decrees and civil penalties.

For Kids apps, disable all ad mediation that includes non-certified networks. In AdMob (https://apps.admob.com) → App settings → Ad units, explicitly disable non-Google-certified partner networks for your Kids app ad units — the setting is per ad unit, not per app.

If you use AdMob mediation, review the mediation waterfall and remove any network that does not appear on Google's Certified Publishing Partners list (https://support.google.com/admob/answer/9683718). Consider eliminating advertising entirely from Kids apps and monetising through premium pricing or in-app purchases — this removes COPPA ad-network complexity entirely and is the approach Apple's own Kids apps take.