The Children’s Code (or Age Appropriate Design Code to give its formal title) is a data protection code of practice for online services, such as apps, online games, and web and social media sites, likely to be accessed by children. It came into force on 2 September 2020 with a 12 month transition period to give organisations time to prepare.
The code applies to any online service a child may use, for example, gaming apps and social media platforms, online messaging services, content streaming such as YouTube, and news or educational websites. The code of conduct will also applies to toys that are connected to the internet.
There are 15 standards online services must follow and the Information Commissioner’s Office has published the code of conduct, please see: Children’s code: additional resources | ICO for further information