Children, however, are more vulnerable than adults and are less able to understand the longterm implications of consenting to their data collection. Existing privacy and fairness concerns stemming from the collection of adults’ data are magnified when it comes to the collection of data from children, given their greater cognitive, emotional, and physical vulnerabilities.

The implications of surveillance and tracking are also more significant for children due to greater exposure over their lifetime, and due to the importance of childhood as a time for development and experimentation with identity.

How data are collected, stored and processed affects how data are then used to inform decisions that affect children’s current and future lives.

As all areas of children’s lives become increasingly enmeshed with digital technologies, it is possible to envision a future in which these technological advancements are primarily applied in service of children and their communities.

To achieve this future, guiderails and benchmarks need to be established that will help govern children’s data in a responsible way. This means that harnessing of data for social good can’t come at the expense of children’s privacy, protection, or well-being.

It also means that the benefits of data collection and use should be spread evenly across the developed and developing world.

Better data governance for children, with clear duties, standards and responsibilities, is critical to ensure that children are protected, and that data are used as a force for good for generations to come.