Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Deferred
Paragraph: 105
Implement robust age verification on social media platforms and urgently debate digital age of consent.
Recommendation
Although we welcome attempts by Ofcom to make platforms safer for children who use them, it is clear that the entire system surrounding the digital age of consent and how it is verified is not fit for purpose. Until there are robust age verification measures used on social media platforms, the digital age of consent will have little to no impact on protecting the data of underage users. Now is also the time for a broader debate on the adequacy of the digital age of consent. The age of consent in the UK is 16, a child cannot drive until they are 17 and cannot vote in England 50 Screen time: impacts on education and wellbeing until they are 18. We have heard no evidence to suggest that 13 is an appropriate age for children to understand the implications of allowing platforms access to their personal data online. Yet we know even with the digital age of consent currently formally set at the lowest possible level, it is widely ignored and not effectively enforced. This must change urgently.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of protecting children's personal data and will keep the area under review, stating it will give further consideration to the committee’s recommendation for a consultation on the digital age of consent.
Paragraph Reference:
105
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Under the UK GDPR, consent of the individual provides a lawful ground for processing personal data. When information society services rely on this lawful ground to process personal data, the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 provide that consent can only lawfully be given by a child if they are aged 13 or above. For children younger than this, consent would need to be given by a person with parental responsibility for the child. The government is committed to ensuring that children’s personal data is protected and that they can engage safely with online services. As part of its ongoing work, and in light of evolving technology and international approaches, it recognises the importance of keeping this area under review. We will give further consideration to the committee’s recommendation for a consultation.