Canada’s privacy commissioner has released a Children’s Privacy Code outlining expectations for organizations handling young people’s personal information.

Philippe Dufresne announced the code on October 20. His office is accepting comments until January 20, 2027, and says the document may then be revised.

Privacy settings and consent

The announcement calls for understandable, age-appropriate privacy notices, meaningful consent and parental consent for children younger than 13.

It also urges organizations to avoid profiling children for advertising or AI-driven decision-making. Location tracking, public profiles and sharing with other companies should be switched off by default.

The office says children should be able to correct inaccurate information and request its deletion. It also rejects manipulative designs that pressure children to disclose unnecessary data.

Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner, October 20.

Editorial illustration of children’s digital privacy.