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Smart Devices: Children

Answer

We take the protection of personal data very seriously, particularly when it relates to children and young people. Organisations that process personal data collected by smartwatches must comply with the the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. The GDPR imposes strict obligations on organisations to process people’s data fairly and lawfully and to ensure that any data collected is held securely. Organisations which fail to comply may be subject to enforcement action by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

We do not intend to ban the sale of smartwatches, but we have issued a Code of Practice for organisations involved in the development, manufacturing and retail of products linked to the ‘Internet of Things’ to ensure that products are designed securely and keep consumers safe. In parallel, we have published consumer guidance to raise public awareness about setting-up, managing and improving the security of their consumer devices.

The code of practice and the guidance for consumers can be viewed at the following links:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/code-of-practice-for-consumer-iot-security

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/consumer-guidance-for-smart-devices-in-the-home

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

HL11614

Session

2017-19

Grouped for answer

Yes

Subjects

Children Data protection Clocks and watches Hacking Smart devices

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk