Rabat, May 14th, 2015
The CNDP (Commission Nationale de contrôle de la protection des Données à caractère personnel), like its counterparts, namely the authorities in charge of privacy and personal data protection around the world, is taking part in the online monitoring operation to ensure that mobile applications and websites aimed at children are respectful of privacy.
It is worth recalling that the GPEN was created to strengthen cross-border cooperation between personal data protection authorities.
This first joint action, in which the CNDP is taking part, is being undertaken by privacy and personal data protection authorities, given the scale of the proliferation of mobile applications and websites aimed directly or indirectly at children.
Therefore, between May 11th and 15th, each authority will carry out operations in its respective territory to monitor mobile sites and applications. The CNDP has chosen May 13th 2015 to examine around fifty mobile applications and websites designed for children.
As part of this initiative, the relevant authorities will verify whether the applications and websites being examined collect children's personal data, and whether the appropriate means of protection and monitoring are in place.
This operation mainly concerns gaming websites, social media networks, mobile applications, as well as websites offering educational services or tutoring.
The primary objective of this initiative is to:
- Raise awareness about privacy protection;
- Encourage compliance with personal data protection laws;
- Develop cooperative efforts between personal data monitoring authorities in this field.
In concrete terms, the CNDP and the monitoring authorities will check whether mobile applications and websites designed for young users have:
- Provided parental involvement prior to the use of services and personal data collection;
- Raised public awareness about privacy issues;
- Provided information on personal data protection adapted to the young targeted audience (clear language, illustrations, etc.);
- Put in place the means to allow children to delete any collected data relating to them.
As part of this international operation, the CNDP is using a common analytical grid developed by all the GPEN data protection authorities. The findings will be published in the last quarter of 2015. The results will provide an overview of the practices of websites and mobile applications designed for children, while taking into account the specific features of each country.
