Fenwick’s Tyler Newby Discusses the UK’s New Guidelines on Internet Privacy Language for Children

Fenwick privacy & cybersecurity co-chair Tyler Newby spoke with The Wall Street Journal about the United Kingdom’s implementation of new rules under the Age Appropriate Design Code, or the Children’s Code.

The rules require companies to comply with 15 standards aimed at ensuring the protection of children’s privacy online. According to the Wall Street Journal, the code applies to both domestic and foreign companies that process personal data of children in the UK.

Newby noted that the penalty and costs associated with product redesigns may deter some small businesses based outside of the UK from launching in the market, at least until it becomes clear how the code will be policed.

Companies may need to rethink the use of dense and lengthy policy agreements for adults, too, he told The Wall Street Journal. It could create the need for a new kind of focus group: children reading privacy agreements and noting what they can and can’t comprehend.

“Otherwise it’s a bunch of adult lawyers sitting around wondering what a kid understands,” Newby said.

The full article is available on The Wall Street Journal (subscription required).