ICO Age appropriate design: a code of practice for online services – published for consultation

Today the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) set out the standards expected of those responsible for designing, developing or providing online services likely to be accessed by children, when they process their personal data.

Last week the Government published its white paper covering online harms. Its proposals reflect people’s growing mistrust of social media and online services. While we can all benefit from these services, we are also increasingly questioning how much control we have over what we see and how our information is used.

In an age when children learn how to use a tablet before they can ride a bike, making sure they have the freedom to play, learn and explore in the digital world is of paramount importance.

The answer is not to protect children from the digital world, but to protect them within it.  The code is out for consultation until 31st May 2019 after which a final draft version will be laid before Parliament. Access the Consultation document here.