Interactive GDPR checklist and guidelines for providers of online content for children

Since May 2018, the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been in force throughout Europe. It is intended to harmonise data protection laws across all European Member States. Providers of online content for children in particular have been uncertain about the GDPR and their duties on how to implement the requirements in a legally compliant manner and at the same time achieve the best possible awareness among the target groups of children, young people, parents and media education specialists.

Date 2019-01-25 Author FSM, the German hotline
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FSM, the German Association for Voluntary Self-Regulation of Digital Media service providers, has developed the digital checklist and handbook "Children's websites and GDPR: This works well!" as a low-threshold information material for providers of positive online content for children together with expert partners in this field. For more information, visit the FSM website and have a look at the online PDF brochure (both in German).

Produced in partnership with fragFINN e.V., Hans Bredow Institute for Media Research (Dr. Stephan Dreyer) and Seitenstark e.V., the publication is aimed in particular at providers of online content for children, such as websites, apps and other digital offerings. As non-profit or publicly funded initiatives, they are especially dependent on freely accessible information material. The material is published and available under a creative commons license (CC-BY-SA 4.0 (DE)) and can be translated into other languages. The project has been funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) in Germany.

The brochure explains the regulations of the GDPR in a way that is also understandable for laypersons. The obligations for providers are listed in a checklist with step-by-step instructions. The instructions for implementation can be analysed based on the content and functions offered by positive online content and services and revised in line with data protection requirements. In this way, the manual bundles well-founded legal information in a media educational context for the diverse positive digital content landscape for children in Germany and Europe.

Providers of online content for children contribute significantly to children's first positive online experiences. The aim of the brochure is therefore also to sensitise providers to online data protection. Consequently, this generates awareness for this topic among their target groups of children, adolescents, parents and educational specialists. The digital handbook also contains extensive references to further information and contact points for advice as well as positive examples of specimen texts.

Checklist overview

  1. Processing operations within the scope of my online content/service
  2. Clarify the grounds for permission and those responsible
  3. Conclude processing contracts with processors
  4. Maintain records of processing activities
  5. Update your privacy statement
  6. Consent: Formulation and procedure
  7. Ensure the rights of data subjects

Eager to learn more? Visit the hotline's website and INHOPE page.

Find out more information about the work of the German Safer Internet Centre (SIC) generally, including its awareness raising, hotline and youth participation services, or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
 

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