Federal Child Privacy Code Coming Too Late
Western Australia's only independent Senator, Fatima Payman, is calling on the Federal Government to fast-track its proposed Children's Online Privacy Code due to urgent concerns about school apps collecting children's personal data.
It follows a report in the West Australian that parents from a Perth public primary school want the WA government to review all third-party digital services being used because of the way they collect children's data.
The parents from Bayswater Primary school have written to the state government, raising concerns about the growing number of digital services requiring details such a students' names and birthdates to gain access.
The apps identified include Seesaw, Studyladder, Skoolbag, Reading Eggs, Mathletics and ClassDojo.
In their letter, parents warned: "Each service presents unique requirements and complexities, making it difficult for families to fully understand what data is being collected and how it is being used or shared. These concerns are echoed nationally."
The Federal Government is in the process of developing a Children's Online Privacy Code through the Australian Information Commissioner. However the rollout is not expected until December next year.
Senator Payman says that delay is unacceptable.
"It's bad enough that children are being preyed upon in online games and social media, but to make them vulnerable through apps in school is just not acceptable," Senator Payman said.
"I can fully understand how the parents and carers from Bayswater Primary are worried about the data schools are making them hand over to access these apps."
"The timeline for the Children's Online Privacy Code was set last year, and I applaud the government for the initiative," the Senator said.
"But we need to protect our children now, not in 18 months' time."
"So, I'm calling on the government to commit more resources to formulating the policy so that we can bring the implementation date as far forward as possible."
"This is a growing national issue, and the longer we delay, the more children are exposed. The Federal Government must act with urgency."
She also called on the Government to provide an update on its promised Digital Duty of Care legislation, to ensure that platforms are required to protect Australians online while avoiding the heavy-handed censorship risks that undermined last year's failed Misinformation and Disinformation Bill.
Senator Payman confirmed she would also explore whether stronger action could be taken sooner under existing powers in the Privacy Act, including the Australian Privacy Principles.
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