Privacy sweep to assess websites used by children

The audit will assess how websites frequented by children are staying safe

The Isle of Man is taking part in a children's digital privacy sweep to ensure firms "put the best interest of young users first", alongside 29 countries.

The work, being undertaken by the island's Information Commissioner, involves auditing 40 different local and international apps to check tools assessing a child's age and privacy settings.

It is the first time the island is joining the 2025 Global Privacy Enforcement Network analysis, which conducts an annual investigation.

A Information Commissioner spokeswoman said: "The way companies design their online services and use children's personal information can leave young people vulnerable to risks."

Those risks include tracking, profiling and targeting of children, as well as exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.

'Assess new services'

A similar privacy sweep took place 10 years ago and "the way that young people use apps and websites has changed," the spokeswoman continued.

The work will allow authorities to compare findings and provide an opportunity to assess new products, services and the latest protective controls, she continued.

Regulators will examine whether websites and mobile apps are transparent about their privacy practices, have age assurance mechanisms in place and use controls to limit the collection of children's personal information.

The island is co-ordinating with Jersey, Guernsey and the United Kingdom, with each taking on 40 apps or websites and feeding back centrally.

Information Commissioner Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya said participating in the sweep would ensure "online services respect children's privacy, are transparent about their data practices, and put the best interests of young users first."