Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what information her Department holds on the extent to which social media platforms collect and monetise behavioural data from users under the age of 16; and what steps she is taking to limit that practice.

DSIT does not hold information on behavioural data collected by platforms on users under the age of 16.

Where data collected by social media platforms constitutes personal data, under the UK’s data protection and privacy framework, its collection and use must be lawful, fair, transparent and secure.

Children should be given clear information about how their data will be used and they have the same rights as adults to access their data; request rectification; object to its processing or have it erased. Organisations offering online services directly to children must comply with the statutory Age Appropriate Design Code, and must seek parental consent to process the personal data of children under the age of 13.

Organisations that fail to follow these rules are subject to investigation and enforcement by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The ICO is required to have particular regard to the fact that children merit specific protection when their personal data is processed.