Data protection regulators in Bermuda are taking part in an international sweep this week to check what protections are in place on sites and apps often used by children.

More than 30 authorities from around the world will be involved as part of the 2025 Global Privacy Enforcement Network effort.

The Privacy Commissioner’s office said that regulators will examine websites and mobile applications known to be used by or catering to children.

They will assess whether the programs collect children’s personal information, are transparent about their privacy practices, have age-assurance mechanisms in place and employ privacy protective controls limiting the collection of children’s personal information.

The PrivCom office said: “The theme of this year’s sweep recognises 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 ten-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 British Information Commissioner’s Office and the Office of the Data Protection Authority of Guernsey are co-ordinating the sweep, which runs from today until Friday.

PrivCom added: “The Global Privacy Enforcement Network connects privacy enforcement authorities to promote and support co-operation 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 co-operation between global data protection and privacy authorities.

“The results of the sweep will be compiled and published in a report in the coming months.”

Angie Farquharson, the Acting Privacy Commissioner, said: “PrivCom will be one of the international stakeholders participating in GPEN during the week of November 3.

“Most children who grow up in Bermuda are likely to have only a limited understanding of privacy.

“The internet is wide open for them to explore.

“They will not have experienced what it’s like not to have a regular posting of their activities.

“While the internet is an opportunity to learn, we as adults and regulators must ensure that one of our most vulnerable sectors, children, are protected and aware of the dangers that can innocently occur.

“In this regard, PrivCom will participate in the annual Global Privacy Enforcement Network sweep, where we will examine sites, mostly used by children and their stakeholders.

“We look forward to sharing both the international and local results in 2026.

“This year’s topic fits nicely into one of PrivCom’s goals to educate the public on children’s privacy.”