The Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner is examining local websites and apps used by children, or that cater to children, this week, as part of an international enforcement ‘sweep’ (fact finding exercise) focusing on protecting children’s privacy.
The sweep, which involves more than 30 data protection and privacy authorities from around the world, is being run by the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN). GPEN connects international privacy enforcement authorities so they can work collaboratively in the area of data protection and privacy law enforcement.
The sweep theme recognises 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. It also recognises 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 examine whether the websites and apps are transparent about their privacy practices, have age assurance mechanisms in place and employ privacy protective controls to limit the collection of children’s personal information. It 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.
Information Commissioner Paul Vane said: “Protecting children's privacy both on and offline and ensuring digital environments support children’s rights, safety and wellbeing, remains a key priority for my office. The sweep is not an investigation or audit. It aims to identify trends that will inform coordinated public messaging about safeguarding children’s privacy, alongside our local guidance tailored for Jersey’s young people and those with a duty of care for them.”
GPEN has conducted international privacy sweeps on various themes since 2013. This sweep will mark the ten-year anniversary of a similar children’s privacy sweep conducted in 2015, allowing authorities to compare results.
The sweep is taking place from 3 November 2025 to 7 November 2025 and the results will be published early next year.
