Time to protect children’s privacy

I had an opportunity to speak with my colleague and friend, Stewart Dresner, while he was in Canada for a variety of privacy meetings and conferences a couple weeks ago. Given my involvement with KINSA, he mentioned the Children’s Privacy Protection Network (CPPN), for which his firm, Privacy Laws and Business, provides the secretariate function.

He pointed out that many countries may have privacy laws, but woefully few are aimed at the specific needs of children. As a matter of law – or even public policy – can we expect a child, surfing on a TV network or toy manufacturer website, have informed consent to terms of service?

In the UK, companies such as the BBC, Nickelodeon UK, Turner Broadcasting, Microsoft, Vodaphone, Warner Brothers and Disney are members of the CPPN, concerned about developing and promoting best practices with regard to the protection of children’s privacy.

Is it time for Canadian firms to demonstrate some leadership in this area as well? Do we need legislative changes or will the private sector take the initiative?

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privacy, Stewart Dresner, Privacy Laws and Business, privacy policy, CPPN