Data Doesn’t Forget: The Hidden Life of a Child’s Digital Footprint
Every tap tells a story
From homework apps to smart speakers, data trails created in childhood often persist long after graduation. The past year has seen renewed debate over how that data is used, as AI systems grow more capable of inferring mood, health, and intelligence from small digital cues.
What’s at stake in 2025
COPPA—America’s main children’s privacy law—remains largely unchanged since 1998. It doesn’t yet address biometric data, emotion recognition, or the AI-driven personalization now common in classrooms. Advocacy groups are calling for “COPPA 2.0,” but parents can’t wait for Congress to act.
UNICEF’s Policy Guidance on AI for Children still sets the best global benchmark: collect only what’s essential, explain it plainly, and design systems that minimize risk by default.
The five-minute privacy audit
Disable unnecessary microphone and camera permissions.
Delete inactive accounts.
Review app privacy settings every quarter.
Teach kids that “accept all cookies” isn’t harmless.
Why it matters
Digital footprints shape futures. When families treat data care like brushing teeth—routine and necessary—children learn that privacy is a lifelong right.
