A campaigner has claimed that YouTube is collecting viewing data from children as young as 13 in breach of the UK’s data privacy code.
Duncan McCann has made an official complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), saying the site is gathering data about the videos being watched by children, where it is being watched, and the device used.
It is believed to be the first complaint made under the 2020 ICO children’s code.
YouTube says it treats all children’s content as if children were viewing it, even if that viewing is through an adult account. Children under the age of 13 are encouraged to use the separate YouTube Kids app.
McCann works for campaign group 5Rights Foundation, though is making the complaint in a personal capacity. He would prefer YouTube to reduce the collection of “unnecessary” data.
In 2019, YouTube received a $170 fine from a US regulator for violating children’s privacy laws. Although it did not accept responsibility, it paid the fine, and subsequently changed its practices.
Last September, the ICO warned TikTok could face a £27 million fine after an ICO investigation found that the company may have breached UK data protection law, failing to protect children’s privacy when using the TikTok platform.
