header-logo header-logo

Online privacy: keeping kids safe

27 September 2024 / Robert Dalling , Abigail Dore
Issue: 8087 / Categories: Features , Privacy , Child law , Technology
printer mail-detail
190811
Digital platforms must improve protections for children or risk fines, write Robert Dalling & Abigail Dore. But what exactly does the Children’s Code call for?
  • The ICO has urged 11 major social media and video-sharing platforms to enhance their privacy practices for children, as part of the ongoing enforcement of its Children’s Code.
  • Platforms found not to be in compliance with the code may be subject to enforcement measures, including hefty fines and regulatory scrutiny.

The Information Commissioner’s Office has called on 11 social media and video-sharing platforms (SMPs and VSPs) to improve their children’s privacy practices, amid rising concerns about inadequate privacy protections for children in digital spaces. This action forms part of the Children’s Code, which is designed to protect children’s privacy online by providing guidance on designing services that comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/2426) (PECR 2003).

The Children’s Code

The GDPR contains provisions designed to cater for the fact that children require special protection

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Writing in NLJ this week, Ceri Morgan analyses the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Johnson v FirstRand Bank
Tech companies will be legally required to prevent material that encourages or assists serious self-harm appearing on their platforms, under Online Safety Act 2023 regulations due to come into force in the autumn
Commercial leasehold, the defence of insanity and ‘consent’ in the criminal law are among the next tranche of projects for the Law Commission
In this month's update, employment guru Ian Smith reveals the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s pivotal role in the ongoing supermarket equal pay litigation, upholding most findings and confirming that detailed training materials are valid evidence of actual work
County court cases are speeding up, with the median time from claim to hearing 62 weeks for fast, intermediate and multi-track claims—5.4 weeks faster than last year
back-to-top-scroll