Guernsey’s Office of the Data Protection Authority (ODPA) has teamed up with more than 30 data protection and privacy regulators from around the world to take a closer look at websites and mobile applications popular with children.
It is part of the 2025 Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) privacy sweep running from 3-7 November.
The sweep aims to find out if the digital platforms examined are doing enough to protect children’s personal data. Sweeping authorities will check if sites and apps:
- are transparent about how they use personal information
- have age assurance mechanisms in place
- employ privacy protective controls to limit the collection of children’s personal information.
The theme of this year’s sweep recognizes that today’s digital space is a significant part of children’s lives, offering opportunities for self-expression, learning, socialising, and connecting with their community.
Online services that do not consider the best interests of children can leave young people vulnerable to risks such as online tracking, profiling, targeting, and exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.
The sweep will mark the 10-year anniversary of a similar children’s privacy sweep conducted in 2015, allowing authorities to compare results.
The ODPA is co-leading the initiative alongside the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
“We are honoured to be a coordinator of this global privacy sweep, focusing this year on promoting and protecting a safe digital childhood,” said Commissioner Homan.
“In Guernsey and around the world promoting children’s rights represents a top priority, and we look forward to leveraging the results of the sweep to the benefit of the Bailiwick’s younger generations.”
GPEN connects privacy enforcement authorities to promote and support cooperation in cross-border enforcement of laws protecting privacy. It has conducted international privacy sweeps on various themes since 2013.
The initiative aims to increase awareness of privacy rights and responsibilities, encourage compliance with privacy legislation, identify concerns that may be addressed through targeted education or enforcement, and enhance cooperation between global data protection and privacy authorities.
A full report of the sweep’s findings will be published in the coming months.