Privacy Act — Children's Information
Privacy Act — Children's Information in New Zealand: active, effective December 1, 2020. Applies to Agencies collecting personal information from children. Age range: Under 16. Agencies must consider child's age and maturity in consent processes
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Category | International |
| Status | active |
| Effective date | December 1, 2020 |
| Age range | Under 16 |
| Applies to | Agencies collecting personal information from children |
Key requirements
- Agencies must consider child's age and maturity in consent processes
- Parents/guardians can act on behalf of child for privacy rights
- Enhanced care when collecting sensitive information
- Privacy principles apply with child-specific considerations
- Right to access and correct information
- Agencies must ensure children understand how information is used
Notes
Privacy Act 2020 modernized framework. No strict age threshold but requires assessment of child's understanding. Privacy Commissioner provides child-focused guidance.
Frequently asked
What does Privacy Act — Children's Information require?
Agencies must consider child's age and maturity in consent processes Parents/guardians can act on behalf of child for privacy rights Enhanced care when collecting sensitive information Privacy principles apply with child-specific considerations Right to access and correct information Agencies must ensure children understand how information is used
Who must comply with Privacy Act — Children's Information in New Zealand?
Agencies collecting personal information from children
When does Privacy Act — Children's Information take effect and what is its status?
Effective December 1, 2020. Current status: active. Privacy Act 2020 modernized framework. No strict age threshold but requires assessment of child's understanding. Privacy Commissioner provides child-focused guidance.
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)