ICO sets next steps for Children’s Code enforcement in games, AI chatbots and health apps
Key Takeaways
- 01The ICO will continue enforcing the UK Children’s Code and monitoring risks to children’s data-protection rights.
- 02Mobile games, AI chatbots and health apps are areas of particular regulatory focus.
- 03The Children’s Code requires online services likely to be accessed by children to design their data practices around children’s privacy, safety and wellbeing.
- 04Businesses offering child-accessible services should review whether their collection, use and sharing of personal data meet age-appropriate design expectations.
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued an August 2026 progress update on its Children’s Code strategy. It says it will continue enforcing the Children’s Code while monitoring emerging risks to children’s data-protection rights.
The Children’s Code, formally the Age Appropriate Design Code, sets standards for online services likely to be accessed by children. Its purpose is to ensure those services use children’s personal data in ways that protect their privacy, safety and wellbeing.
The ICO identifies mobile games, AI chatbots and health apps as priority areas for continued scrutiny. Organisations operating services in these sectors should expect the regulator to assess whether their data practices adequately protect child users, including how they collect, use and share personal information.
The update signals that compliance with the Children’s Code remains an active enforcement priority. Providers whose products may be accessed by children should keep their age-appropriate design measures, privacy settings and data-governance controls under review.