The Digital Identity of Children: A Call to Action for Parents and Businesses
As adults, we have fully embraced social media, often sharing our lives online for the world to see. Whether driven by the pursuit of likes or monetary gain, many parents today are creating a digital identity for their children. While the intentions might seem benign, the implications of this trend are profound and warrant our urgent attention. It is time for the industry to address this issue head-on, starting with the youngest members of our society.
The Importance of Children's Privacy
In today's digital age, protecting children's privacy has become paramount. When parents share videos and photos of their children online, they often overlook the potential long-term consequences. We need to cultivate awareness and establish clear guidelines: no children's videos or voices should be shared without stringent safeguards.
Governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) frameworks significantly influence how companies handle data, including storage, sharing, processing, and advertising. When it comes to minors' data, the rules are stringent, and compliance is mandatory. It's not enough to simply include a checkbox stating, "By clicking this, you confirm you are over 13." Executives must prioritize children's data privacy as a critical issue, not a trivial one.
For those tracking legislative developments, the State Children's Privacy Law Tracker is an invaluable resource. It highlights the evolving legal landscape surrounding children's privacy, emphasizing the need for businesses to stay informed and compliant.
Educating Our Future
The conversation must start with the kids because they are our future. We must educate them to recognize the importance of privacy. Imagine a child saying, "Hey Mom, could you please not put my face online when I’m running into a wall?" This level of awareness can only come from proper education and dialogue. It is absurd how much personal data is available online, often putting children at risk.
To counteract these risks, parents should establish a codeword system to verify the identity of family members. With the rise of spam texts and deepfake calls, this simple measure can prevent potential fraud and protect loved ones. If someone claiming to be a family member calls, asking for the pre-agreed codeword can confirm their identity.
Compliance and Best Practices
Businesses must also step up. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides a comprehensive Compliance Plan for Businesses to adhere to COPPA. Personal information includes not just names and contact details but also any photos, videos, or audio containing a child's image or voice. Companies are required to post a privacy policy, notify parents, and obtain verifiable consent before collecting personal data from children. Despite these requirements, compliance is often lacking.
Moreover, parents need to take an active role in managing their children's digital lives. This might mean being the "bad guy" by restricting phone usage and setting up controls. Children need guidance to navigate the digital world safely, and it is up to parents to provide that training.
Where is Your Data?
Finally, there is a crucial message for everyone: heighten your awareness of the data you possess. Many of us are unaware of where our data resides or how it is used. Whether you are dealing with company data, client information, or vendor details, it is essential to track your data meticulously. Ask yourself: where is my data going?
Student Privacy at the US Department of Education and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) offer additional resources and guidelines for protecting student data. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is not just a legal obligation but a moral one as well.
Conclusion
The digital identity of children is a pressing issue that requires collective action from parents, businesses, and educators. By establishing clear guidelines, educating our children, and ensuring compliance with privacy laws, we can protect the next generation from the potential dangers of an increasingly digital world. Let’s take proactive steps to safeguard our children's future and their right to privacy.
At Klever Compliance, we transform GRC from a daunting challenge into a valuable asset for your business. Partner with us to achieve seamless governance, risk management, and compliance that makes sense for you. Transform the overwhelming to the empowering.
… article collaboratively written by Katherine Burke & Karina Klever