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Written by
UK Team
11th June, 2020

UK Government lays new statutory rules for children’s privacy

5Rights Foundation welcomes first step forward in protecting children’s privacy online.

A wider shot showing two children sitting together at a table, both laughing as they look at a laptop in front of them. The children are dressed in striped shirts, and a plant can be seen in the background. This is the full version of the close-up shown above.

The UK Government has now laid the Age Appropriate Design Code before Parliament, taking a major step forward in protecting children’s privacy online. 

The Code is the first of its kind anywhere in the world, and sets out the specific protections that children and young people require for their data.

Data drives many norms of the digital world, and the way children’s data are collected, shared, and used impacts significantly not just on their digital experience, but also on their wider lives. The Code offers a significant and welcome change in how children are protected and supported in the digital age. This is particularly important now, as the coronavirus pandemic has brought more children online for more time, deepening their dependence on digital technology in more areas of their lives.

The Code was developed by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in consultation with industry, civil society, and the public. The ICO will now be responsible for enforcing the Code, after a transition period of 12-months to help online services comply.

5Rights Foundation has welcomed the Government’s decision to lay the Code, and looks forward to working constructively with both the ICO and industry in ensuring it delivers for children and young people.

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