The UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.

Children's Code hub

The Children’s Code (or Age Appropriate Design Code to give its formal title) is a data protection code of practice for online services, such as apps, online games, and web and social media sites, likely to be accessed by children.

It came into force on 2 September 2020 with a 12 month transition period to give organisations time to prepare.

The ICO is committed to supporting all organisations with advice and resources to help them achieve compliance by 2 September 2021.

Spotlight on the Children’s Code standards - best interests of the child

We’ve held several co-design workshops and gained valuable insights into what the community needs from the guidance.

Resources for organisations

Introduction to the Children’s Code

What you need to know

The Children’s Code

A simple guide for organisations that need a place to start

FAQs on the 15 standards of the Children’s Code

What you need to know

DPIA template

Use it to record your DPIA process and outcome for an online service likely to be accessed by children

FAQs for the digital news industry

What you need to know

Spotlight on the Children’s Code standards

A series of blogs to explain the 15 standards in more detail

Children’s Code Standard 5 – Detrimental use of data

Spotlight on the Children’s Code standards - best interests of the child

About the Children's Code