EP 129: Protecting your child online with Emily Keeney of the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office)

The digital world offers a unique sanctuary for neurodiverse children—a place where they can connect, explore, and engage in ways that might feel challenging in person. But this digital refuge comes with hidden costs as platforms silently harvest our children's personal data, using it in ways most parents don't fully understand.

Deputy Commissioner Emily Keaney from the Information Commissioner's Office pulls back the curtain on what's really happening when your child scrolls through social media or plays online games. From recommender systems that create detailed profiles of your child's interests to geolocation settings that can expose their physical whereabouts, the conversation reveals the mechanics of data collection that operate just beneath the surface of your child's favourite apps.

What makes this discussion particularly valuable is its practical approach. Rather than inducing panic, Keaney shares concrete successes where regulatory pressure has forced major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to implement stronger privacy protections specifically for young users. She explains how sophisticated age verification technologies are becoming increasingly common, ensuring children receive appropriate safeguards even when they've managed to circumvent parental controls.

For parents of neurodiverse children who may be especially vulnerable online, the episode offers a perfect balance of technical insight and practical guidance. Learn why simply checking privacy settings isn't enough and how ongoing conversations about digital safety can be naturally integrated into family life. Discover the power of showing genuine curiosity about your child's online experiences rather than approaching them with suspicion.

What emerges is a heartening message: parents aren't alone in this fight. Through significant fines and regulatory action, the ICO is steadily shifting the burden of protection away from overwhelmed parents and onto the powerful platforms profiting from our children's attention. Join us to understand how you can better protect your child while still allowing them to benefit from the connection and community the digital world provides.

Got questions about protecting your child online? Join our private WhatsApp community where parents share experiences and support each other through the challenges of raising neurodiverse children in a digital age.

ICO Website 

Children's Code

Emily Keaney’s Blog – Protecting Children’s Data

Press Release on TikTok and Investigations 

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