News release

OPC collaborating with international regulators on privacy-protective age assurance

September 19, 2024

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) has joined other global regulators in moving towards a more common international approach to the data protection and privacy implications of age-assurance methods.

“Age assurance can be one important way to protect children, both from inappropriate or harmful online content, and the risks that may arise from the collection and processing of their personal information,” said Philippe Dufresne, Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

The OPC’s endorsement of this international joint statement, which was issued by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office on behalf of the regulators, aligns with Commissioner Dufresne’s strategic priority to champion children’s privacy rights.

It also complements efforts already underway to consult with stakeholders ahead of the development of OPC policy and guidance on age assurance. An exploratory consultation seeking feedback on the privacy implications of age-assurance systems closed on September 10. The OPC is now reviewing the feedback.

The joint international statement is an initiative of the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, which established an International Age Assurance Working Group in 2022 as a way for data protection authorities to share information on age assurance methods and to learn from each other’s experiences.

Endorsed by its signatories, which also include privacy regulators in Gibraltar, the Philippines, Argentina, and Mexico, the statement will remain open for signatures after its publication from working group members and regulators that are not members of the group but that support the shared principles.

Related links

• Joint Statement on a Common International Approach to Age Assurance
• OPC Privacy and age assurance – Exploratory consultation

Media contact

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
communications@priv.gc.ca