The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is asking children, young people and parents to share how children’s privacy can be better protected online.
Listening to children, young people and parents is crucial to make sure the Children’s Online Privacy Code responds to their needs and experiences. The code will be a set of rules specifying how online services such as social media, messaging apps and cloud storage sites must protect children’s privacy. The code will be in place by 10 December 2026.
“Privacy plays an important role in the lives of children and young people,” said Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind.
“It is key to their autonomy, dignity and freedom. Privacy empowers children and young people to make decisions about how to live their life, what to believe, and what to think.
“Potentially harmful online practices such as profiling, direct marketing and targeting have sadly become common online experiences.
“Children need and deserve a better online environment, and the Children’s Online Privacy Code will help build just that. The code is not about preventing children from engaging in the digital world, but rather protecting them within it.
“This code is a chance for Australia to be a world leader in children’s online privacy, and we want young people to help us.”
To help children, young people and parents share their views, the OAIC has released:
- a worksheet for children in years 3 to 6 (aged 8–12)
- a worksheet for children and young people in years 7 to 12 (aged 12–18)
- a discussion paper for parents and carers
- for teachers, a lesson plan and accompanying presentation.
“The OAIC is consulting widely on the code to make sure it delivers on its promise to make the online environment better for children and young people,” Commissioner Kind said.
“We want to first hear directly from those most affected by the code – children and young people – so it accurately reflects what they need and want.”
The feedback the OAIC receives will help shape the draft version of the Children’s Online Privacy Code. The draft code will be released for public consultation in early 2026, which will provide another opportunity for children, young people, parents and other stakeholders to share feedback.
After consulting with children, the OAIC will work with industry and other stakeholders as it develops the code.
For more information, and to access the consultation materials, visit oaic.gov.au/copc. The consultation closes Monday 30 June 2025.
Background
- The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 introduced a mandate for the OAIC to develop a Children’s Online Privacy Code.
- The code will set out how some online services accessed by children must comply with the Australian Privacy Principles and may impose additional requirements consistent with the existing principles.
- The OAIC is consulting widely on the development of the code:
- Phase 1 consultation (January–August 2025) is focused on hearing from children, parents and organisations that work with children.
- Phase 2 consultation (April–August 2025) is engaging industry stakeholders, civil society and academia.
- Phase 3 (2026) will involve a public consultation period on the draft code.
- The code will be in place by 10 December 2026.
