Child online privacy focus of fact-finding 'sweep'

A fact-finding exercise to review child privacy protections on websites and apps is taking place

Regulators say they have been checking whether websites and apps are protecting children's privacy.

The Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner (JOIC) said it had been taking part in an international fact-finding exercise run by the Global Privacy Enforcement Network to look at sites used by or aimed at children.

It said the exercise, known as a "sweep", reviewed whether websites and apps were transparent about privacy practices and had age assurance mechanisms and protective controls to limit the collection of children's personal information.

The results of the sweep, which started on Monday and concludes on Friday, are due to be published in early 2026.

The JOIC said the exercise aimed to raise awareness of privacy rights and responsibilities along with "encouraging compliance with privacy legislation".

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."