European States step up efforts to protect children’s privacy in digital environment
The National Center for Personal Data Protection (NCPDP), for information purpose, communicates about adoption of the Declaration of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers regarding the protection of children’s privacy in digital environment. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, European states should enhance safeguarding measures in processing personal data of children, notably health-related data and data collected in education settings, to minimise potential adverse effects, including the public identification of a child.
Furthermore, the Committee of Ministers expressed its concern about the consequences and impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on children as a result of increased online activities and use of online products and services, or of digital exclusion. However, it also acknowledged the opportunities and benefits, such as those presented by remote learning and enabling contact with family and friends. The information and communication technologies, in general, are an important tool in children’s lives, but the use of these technologies can at the same time generate risks. Notably, the traceability of children’s activities in the digital environment may expose them to criminal activities, such as discrimination, bullying, stalking and other forms of harassment.
The NCPDP, as national supervisory authority for personal data processing, emphasizes the responsibility of personal data controllers to comply with the provisions of legal framework on personal data protection and to ensure that personal data processing operations are in accordance with the legislation in force.