News release

OPC joins 2025 Global Privacy Enforcement Network sweep focused on the protection of children’s privacy

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November 3, 2025 – Gatineau, QC

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) is among more than 30 data protection and privacy authorities from around the world that will examine websites and mobile applications commonly used by children as part of a 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, socializing, and connecting with their community. Design of online services that does 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 be similar to the one conducted in 2015, allowing authorities to compare results a decade later.

The OPC, 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.

The sweep is the latest in a series of initiatives focused on championing children’s privacy rights, one of the strategic priorities guiding Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne’s mandate.

In September, Commissioner Dufresne, along with his counterparts in Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta, released the results of their joint investigation into TikTok. They found that the measures that the company had in place to keep children off the popular video-sharing platform and to prevent the collection and use of their sensitive personal information for profiling and targeting purposes were inadequate.

Commissioner Dufresne announced in June the launch of a Youth Council where young people could share their insights, experiences, and ideas on the privacy challenges that matter most to them. The Council will help inform efforts by the OPC to better protect the privacy of young people in the digital age.

The OPC is also working to develop a children’s privacy code aimed at strengthening the protection of young people’s personal information in the digital world, as well as guidance on age assurance.

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“In this increasingly digital and data-driven world, we want to ensure that young people can develop in an environment that is safe. This year’s privacy sweep will shine a light on how organizations are designing digital services used by children and will support our ongoing work to ensure respect for children’s privacy rights.”

Philippe Dufresne
Privacy Commissioner of Canada

Media contact

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
communications@priv.gc.ca