Emerging trends in children’s data privacy across APAC

Asia-Pacific lacks a harmonised approach due to different legal traditions and cultural values. By Anna Gamvros, Denise Kara and Joshua Oliver of A&O Shearman Australia.

In recent years, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has witnessed an unprecedented surge in internet usage, particularly among its younger population. With the proliferation of smartphones, affordable data plans, and widespread access to digital platforms, children across Asian countries are spending more time online than ever before. This digital transformation has opened up a world of opportunities for learning, social interaction, and entertainment. However, it has also raised significant concerns regarding the privacy and safety of children in the virtual environment.

As digital technologies become increasingly integrated into the daily lives of children, the question of how to obtain valid consent for the processing of their personal data has become a pressing concern for lawmakers, regulators, and society as a whole. The approaches adopted across countries in the APAC region are far from uniform, reflecting a complex interplay of international influences, domestic legal traditions, and cultural attitudes towards childhood, family, and privacy. This diversity is further complicated by the rapid pace of technological change, which continually tests the adequacy and adaptability of existing legal frameworks.

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