November 3, 2025
More than thirty data protection and privacy authorities from around the world will examine websites and mobile applications commonly used by children as part of the 2025 Global Privacy Enforcement Network privacy sweep taking place this week.
Regulators will examine whether websites and mobile applications that are known to be used by children or cater to them collect children’s data, are transparent about their privacy practices, have age assurance mechanisms in place, and employ privacy protective controls to limit the collection of children’s personal information.
The theme of this year’s sweep recognizes that today’s digital space is a significant part of children’s lives, offering opportunities for self-expression, learning, socialising, and connecting with their community. Online services that do not consider the best interests of children can leave young people vulnerable to risks such as online tracking, profiling, targeting, and exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.
The sweep will mark the 10-year anniversary of a similar children’s privacy sweep conducted in 2015, allowing authorities to compare results.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, the United Kingdom Information Commissioner’s Office, and the Office of the Data Protection Authority of Guernsey are coordinating this year’s sweep, which takes place from November 3 to 7, 2025.
The Global Privacy Enforcement Network connects privacy enforcement authorities to promote and support cooperation in cross-border enforcement of laws protecting privacy.
The Network has conducted international privacy sweeps on various themes since 2013. The initiative aims to increase awareness of privacy rights and responsibilities, encourage compliance with privacy legislation, identify concerns that may be addressed through targeted education or enforcement, and enhance cooperation between global data protection and privacy authorities.
The results of the sweep will be compiled and published in a report in the coming months.