The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has warned social media platforms (SMPs) and video sharing platforms (VSPs) to improve their children's privacy practices or face enforcement action. The ICO's Tech Lab conducted a review of 34 SMPs and VSPs, focusing on the process young people go through to sign up for accounts. Of the 34 platforms, 11 have been asked to explain their approach after the ICO found issues relating to default privacy settings, geolocation or age assurance and to explain how their approach conforms with the Age-Appropriate Design Code.
In addition, the ICO explained that it had identified areas where further evidence is required in order to understand the impact on children's privacy. The ICO stated that it had launched a call for evidence from interested stakeholders in two areas:
- How children's personal information is used by recommender systems (algorithms that use personal data to deliver content);
- Developments in the use of age assurance to identify children under 13 years old.
The consultation closes on 11 October 2024.
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