The ICO has published an update on its work to protect children’s privacy online.
Since the introduction of our Children’s code, the ICO been working to ensure the internet is a privacy-friendly, safe space for children.
Specifically in the past year, it has been focusing on how social media and video sharing platforms collect and use children’s data.
The ICO says its progress update shows the impact it has had so far, including how platforms are delivering for children, and which ones have more work to do. You can read the update here.
The ICO has also made public that it is investigating three platforms: TikTok, Imgur and Reddit. You can read its announcement here, and also a blog from the Deputy Commissioner.
In addition to this, the ICO launched a call for evidence in August 2024 to gather information from stakeholders on the use of children’s personal information in recommender systems, as well as the use of children’s data under the age of 13. You can read a summary of the responses here.
The ICO reiterates that regulating how children’s data is used by digital services is one aspect of a complex international and national online safety ecosystem: the body works closely with Ofcom, as the Online Safety Act regulator, and other international organisations to ensure children in the UK have a better digital experience.
The ICO has provided several updates on our children’s privacy interventions and it says it will continue to adopt a transparent approach as its work progresses.