The privacy of children online is becoming an increasingly important topic in the digital age. Parents and guardians need to be aware of the various threats that may lurk for the youngest on the internet. One of the tools that helps protect children's personal data is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Although GDPR has been in force across the European Union since 2018, many people are still unaware of its full significance.
GDPR places special emphasis on the protection of children's data, recognising their greater vulnerability to threats. According to Article 8 of GDPR, processing the personal data of children under 16 is only permitted with the consent of the person holding parental authority. In Poland, this age has been lowered to 13, which means parental consent is required for younger children.
To effectively protect children's data online, parents should be aware of what information is collected by applications and websites. Examples include data such as name, surname, date of birth, photos, or location. It is important that before children use apps or social networking sites, parents thoroughly check the privacy policy of the platform.
Education about online threats and privacy policies also plays a significant role. Children should be aware not to share their personal data with people they do not know and to adhere to the rule that "nothing disappears from the Internet." It is worth explaining to children the potential consequences of inappropriate data sharing online.
GDPR also introduced the right to be forgotten, which is important in the context of children's data. It involves the ability to request the deletion of personal data if it is no longer needed or if consent has been withdrawn. Parents can use this right if they believe their children's data is being processed improperly.
In the case of encountering difficult situations related to children's privacy, it is worth contacting a school staff member, educator, or specialised organisations such as the Empowering Children Foundation.
Sources
- Art. 8 Rozporzadzenia Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady (UE) 2016/679 z dnia 27 kwietnia 2016 r. (RODO) dotyczacy zgody dziecka w kontekscie uslug spoleczenstwa informacyjnego (Dz.U.UE.L.2016.119.1).
- Fundacja Dajemy Dzieciom Sile. (https://fdds.pl/)