Guernsey’s Office of the Data Protection Authority is co-leading an international initiative examining how well websites and apps used by children are protecting their personal data.
The Office of the Data Protection Authority (ODPA) has teamed up with more than 30 data protection and privacy regulators from around the world as part of the 2025 Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) privacy sweep, which runs from 3 to 7 November. The Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner (JOIC) is also taking part, examining platforms used by children locally.
The sweep aims to assess whether digital platforms popular with young people are doing enough to safeguard children’s information. Authorities will look at whether sites and apps are transparent about how they use personal data, have age assurance tools in place, and use privacy controls to limit the collection of information from children.
The theme of this year’s sweep reflects the central place of digital spaces in young people’s lives, offering opportunities for self-expression, learning, socialising, and connection. However, services that do not prioritise children’s best interests can leave them vulnerable to risks including online tracking, profiling, targeted advertising, and exposure to harmful or inappropriate content.
This year marks ten years since a previous children’s privacy sweep in 2015, providing an opportunity to compare progress over the past decade.
The ODPA is coordinating the initiative together with 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”.
In Jersey, the JOIC is reviewing local websites and apps used by, or designed for, children. The aim is to increase awareness of privacy responsibilities, encourage compliance, identify areas requiring guidance or possible enforcement, and strengthen cooperation between global data protection regulators.
Jersey 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.”
Pictured: ODPA staff taking part in the sweep
