The Information Regulator sounds the alarm over young people’s low level of awareness of the Protection of Personal Information Act and online privacy.
2025 International Data Privacy Day zeroed-in on the promotion and protection of children’s rights online.
Tlakula said with estimates showing children account for about one-third of internet users around the world, it has become more important to protect and promote their online safety and privacy rights. “The question arises as to whether children and young people are enabled to make informed choices, and the correct judgement calls on the trade-offs between protecting their personal information and being able to take part in the cyber world.
Additionally, there are issues of consent and age verification for the processing of personal information for the purposes of participating in cyberspace, she said. “These profiles that are used to predict and influence in the near future may not only manipulate behaviour, but may have been raising some profound concerns about privacy, autonomy and ultimately about the safety of children.”
“In light of all of these things, it’s important that − as governments, as parents, as children and as educators in civil society − we establish strong safeguards to protect and promote children's rights in the digital space.”
Information Regulator Department Of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube Pansy Tlakula Life Orientation Data Protection Law Online Child Safety POPIA Protection Of Personal Information Act
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