Protecting the Next Generation: Global Sweep Targets Children’s Online Privacy

Toronto, ON – As children increasingly navigate the digital world, a global coalition of data protection authorities is launching a coordinated sweep to assess how websites and mobile applications are safeguarding their privacy. Led by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, and the Office of the Data Protection Authority of Guernsey, the initiative – commencing November 3rd – will examine data collection practices, transparency, age assurance mechanisms, and overall privacy controls on platforms commonly used by children.

This isn't a new concern. The sweep marks the 10-year anniversary of a similar effort in 2015, offering a crucial opportunity to gauge whether previous recommendations have been implemented and if the landscape of children’s online privacy has truly improved. The findings will be particularly vital given the exponential growth in children’s digital engagement over the past decade and the increasingly sophisticated methods used to collect and analyze their data.

“Young people are spending significantly more time on their digital devices and are much savvier online than the previous generation,