The ICO exists to empower you through information.

This consultation closes on 18 October 2024;

Our Children's code is a statutory code of practice that explains how the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) applies in the context of children using digital services and how organisations can make sure their digital services safeguard children’s personal information. The code sets out 15 standards of age-appropriate design, reflecting a risk-based approach.

In April 2024, we published our Children’s code strategy, which set out what we have achieved so far and the focus for our children’s privacy work throughout 2024/25. We are concentrating on how children’s personal information is used by social media platforms (SMPs) and video sharing platforms (VSPs), which are services used by most children.

As part of our work, we are inviting stakeholders and interested organisations to share their views and further evidence on two areas of our strategy.

The use of children’s personal information in recommender systems including:

  • How children’s information is currently being used to design recommender systems and recommend content to children on SMPs and VSPs.
  • Examples of good practice related to the collection and use of children’s personal information in recommender systems.

The use of personal information of children under 13 years old including:

  • Evidence about the effectiveness of profiling techniques to identify children under 13 years old.
  • Evidence of approaches to reduce the risk of children trying to circumvent age assurance.
  • Use and development of innovative new age assurance practices.

We recommend you read our children’s code strategy progress update which outlines our initial findings and actions, before you respond to the call for evidence.

We will use this evidence to inform our ongoing work to ensure platforms protect children’s privacy.

You can respond to the call for evidence in the following ways:

The call for evidence will close on 11 October 2024. We may not consider responses submitted after this deadline.