ICO launches online privacy campaign for parents

Source Domain: dig.watch

A new ICO campaign focuses on helping parents talk to young children about protecting personal information online.

New research published by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) found that 24% of primary school-aged children have shared their real name or address online, while 21% of parents and carers have never spoken to them about online privacy. It also found that 22% of children have shared personal information, such as health details, with AI tools.

Research published by the ICO also found that 71% of parents worry that information their child shares today could affect their future. Findings also show that 46% do not feel confident protecting their children’s privacy online, 44% say they try but are not sure they are doing enough, and 42% say they probably do not spend enough time checking privacy settings.

Online privacy is one of the least-discussed online safety topics among parents, according to the ICO. Its research found that 38% discuss it less than once a month, while 90% have discussed screen time in the past month.

Emily Keaney, Deputy Commissioner at the ICO, said: ‘The internet offers amazing opportunities for children – but every click can leave a hidden data trail and these digital footprints can last forever.’ She added: ‘We wouldn’t expect our children to share their birthdays or address with a stranger in a shop, because we’d explain stranger danger to them from a very young age, but kids these days are growing up online.’

Keaney said: ‘We know that where children’s details – like their name, interests and pictures – aren’t protected, the potential risks are serious: unwanted contact from strangers, grooming and radicalisation.’ She said children’s online privacy ‘requires a whole society approach’ and added: ‘We have taken and will continue to take action to hold tech companies accountable for their role.’

Keaney also said: ‘There’s a role…

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