Act on the Protection of Personal Information — Child Provisions
Act on the Protection of Personal Information — Child Provisions in Japan: active, effective April 1, 2022 (amended). Applies to Business operators handling personal information of children. Age range: Under 16. Enhanced protections for children's personal information
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Japan |
|---|---|
| Category | International |
| Status | active |
| Effective date | April 1, 2022 (amended) |
| Age range | Under 16 |
| Applies to | Business operators handling personal information of children |
Key requirements
- Enhanced protections for children's personal information
- Appropriate methods to obtain parental consent
- Transparent privacy notices suitable for children
- Restrictions on third-party data sharing involving children
- Right to request disclosure, correction, and deletion
- Organizations must consider children's cognitive abilities in consent processes
Notes
2022 amendments strengthened child protections. Personal Information Protection Commission provides guidance on implementation. In 2026 Japan is exploring a platform risk-classification framework with mobile network operators and possible mandatory age verification; no legislation enacted yet.
Frequently asked
What does Act on the Protection of Personal Information — Child Provisions require?
Enhanced protections for children's personal information Appropriate methods to obtain parental consent Transparent privacy notices suitable for children Restrictions on third-party data sharing involving children Right to request disclosure, correction, and deletion Organizations must consider children's cognitive abilities in consent processes
Who must comply with Act on the Protection of Personal Information — Child Provisions in Japan?
Business operators handling personal information of children
When does Act on the Protection of Personal Information — Child Provisions take effect and what is its status?
Effective April 1, 2022 (amended). Current status: active. 2022 amendments strengthened child protections. Personal Information Protection Commission provides guidance on implementation. In 2026 Japan is exploring a platform risk-classification framework with mobile network operators and possible mandatory age verification; no legislation enacted yet.
Related laws
| Law | Jurisdiction | Category | Status | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Media Minimum Age Law | Australia | International | active | December 10, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Age Verification Requirements | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Child Safety Regime | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Under-16 Social Media Ban (Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 regulations) | United Kingdom | International | pending | Spring 2027 (expected) |
| Digital Services Act — Guidelines on Protecting Minors | European Union | International | active | July 14, 2025 |
| EU Digital Minimum Age & Mandatory Age Assurance Initiative | European Union | International | pending | TBD (Commission proposal expected; Digital Fairness Act 2026) |
| GDPR — Children's Consent Requirements | European Union | International | active | May 25, 2018 |
| Under-15 Social Media Ban (2026 Law) | France | International | blocked | N/A (struck down August 14, 2026) |
Put it into practice
- Generate the policy: COPPA policy generator (generatepolicy.com)
- Buy the policy pack: Privacy Program Bundle (cyberpolicy.shop)
- Build it yourself: 2026 US Privacy Program Workbook (ciso.diy)