News release

Privacy Commissioner of Canada launches Children’s Privacy Code to support strong online protections for youth

October 20, 2026 – Gatineau, Quebec

Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne today launched Canada’s first Children’s Privacy Code – aimed at creating a safer, more transparent online environment for children and teens.

The Code recognizes that while technology may be a condition of modern life, youth must be supported and empowered to exercise their privacy rights and to safely use technology to explore, connect, learn, and grow without compromising their privacy or security.

To that end, the Code establishes clear, practical expectations for organizations that handle children’s personal information. The Code also helps organizations understand how to protect children under Canadian privacy law.

Among other things, organizations are expected to:

• Obtain meaningful consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of children’s personal information, including parental consent for those under 13, and opt-in consent for non-essential data uses;
• Communicate privacy information in a clear, accessible and age-appropriate manner;
• Offer children a practical means of correcting personal information that is inaccurate or incomplete, as well as the option to delete their personal information entirely, particularly as they and their views grow and evolve;
• Avoid profiling children for marketing purposes, including targeted or behavioural advertising, or for the purposes of AI-driven decision-making; and
• Promote privacy by default, with settings like location tracking, profile visibility, and third-party data sharing that are automatically off.

The Code also addresses data practices that are fundamentally incompatible with children’s best interests and which would be considered inappropriate. For example, it outlines that websites and mobile apps cannot use deceptive design practices to influence, manipulate, or coerce children to provide more personal information than they need to, or use children’s information to exploit their vulnerabilities.

The Code is similar to those established in some European countries and American states. It was developed with input from stakeholders who participated in an exploratory consultation, and in collaboration with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) Youth Council. Comprised of seven students aged 14 to 17 from across the country, the Youth Council also helped develop a simplified version of the Code for younger audiences.

The OPC is accepting comments on the Code until January 20, 2027, after which the document may be updated. Comments can be sent by email to cpvp-opcconsultation1@priv.gc.ca.

Quotes

“The launch of the Children’s Privacy Code is an important milestone towards advancing youth privacy in a digital world. Young Canadians tell us that their primary concerns when engaging with online platforms are the lack of control, lack of choice, and lack of age-appropriate information. The Children’s Privacy Code seeks to address these concerns and help create a digital world where the best interests of children are paramount.”

Philippe Dufresne
Privacy Commissioner of Canada

“Shaping the Children’s Privacy Code has allowed us to centre young people’s perspectives and priorities and empower youth to take charge of their online experiences. We believe that the Code will strengthen protections for youth digital rights in an age of artificial intelligence and unprecedented technological advancements.”

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada Youth Council

Related links

• Children’s Privacy Code
• Children’s Privacy Code: What you need to know about your privacy (Youth-friendly version)
• Consultation on the development of a Children’s Privacy Code
• OPC Youth Council
• Youth Summit on the Best Interests of Children in the Digital Environment
• Privacy resources for teens
• Global Privacy Enforcement Network deceptive design sweep 2024 report

Media contact

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