Child Data Protection in the UK & Morocco: Growth and Safety Ahead
Before the Children’s Code in the UK
Before September 2021, the UK relied on general data protection laws:
-
Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA 1998): Provided a foundation for personal data protection but did not address children’s online privacy specifically.
Read more -
Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018): Incorporated the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) into UK law and included a provision directing the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to create a specific code for children’s data protection.
Read more -
Laws like the Children Act 2004 focused on child welfare in a general sense, but without covering the specifics of the digital world.
Read more
This shows that even in leading economies, specialised rules for children in the digital space are a recent development.
The Children’s Code: A Step Forward
Morocco’s Position: A Strong Base to Build On
In Morocco, Law 09-08 (2009) forms the foundation for personal data protection, enforced by the National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection (CNDP).
This law ensures important rights, such as notification, access, and correction, and provides a framework that can be strengthened by adding dedicated measures for children’s online privacy.
There are also recent legislative discussions, including a proposal to set the digital age of consent at 16 and require parental approval for processing data of younger children — a sign of readiness to evolve and keep pace with global developments.
Comparison
Conclusion: A Window of Opportunity for Morocco
The UK’s case proves that dedicated legislation for children’s digital safety is a relatively new global trend.
Morocco already has a solid legal foundation and active regulatory oversight. With ongoing discussions about specific protections for children, the next few years could see significant progress.
Acting now to set child-focused standards could position Morocco as a leader in the region, showing that building a safe digital environment is not just a legal responsibility but an investment in the country’s future.
