Australia’s OAIC updates the Children’s Online Privacy Code page during public consultation

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) updated its Children’s Online Privacy Code page, as the regulator continues consultation on a draft code that will set privacy rules for online services likely to be accessed by children.

The page says the Code is being developed under the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 and will operate as an APP Code under the Privacy Act 1988.

According to the OAIC, the Code will apply to online services that fall within the categories of social media services, relevant electronic services, and designated internet services under the Online Safety Act 2021, where those services are likely to be accessed by children or primarily concern children’s activities. The regulator says the Code is intended to put children at the centre of privacy protections in Australia while also lifting privacy practices more broadly.

The updated page highlights the current public consultation on the exposure draft of the Children’s Online Privacy Code. It also refers users to separate consultation pathways for children, young people, parents and carers, and for industry, civil society, academia, and other interested parties.

The OAIC also says it has created a dedicated Privacy for Kids hub to support participation in the consultation. According to the page, the hub includes workbooks and child-friendly guides to help explain the draft Code to children, young people, and parents and carers.

In addition, the updated page invites stakeholders to register for an OAIC webinar on the Children’s Online Privacy Code public consultation. The OAIC says the final Code must be finalised and registered by 10 December 2026.

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