Article 16 in the Convention on the Rights of the Child explains the right to privacy. Privacy is a fundamental human right, protected by international conventions and laws. The right is not only limited to physical space but also includes the protection of personal data. Compared to adults, children may be more vulnerable and less able to fully understand the risks associated with privacy breaches. However, this does not mean that they do not have the right to privacy.
With the development of technology, the possibilities for communication and education are innumerable. But a possible risk that follows is the invasion of privacy. Children are often exposed to the internet at a young age, which means that they could unknowingly provide personal information to platforms or websites, which increases the risks. It becomes more likely that harassment by strangers via online platforms could occur. Therefore, it is crucial that there be regular monitoring by parents, but always with regard for the needs and rights of the child. Dialogue between parents and children about precautions to take and risks of the internet is essential for their protection.
Some examples of violations of the right to privacy include the exposure of children, by parents posting photos and videos of their children either for business purposes or for remembrance. Many other parents have had a negative response to this phenomenon as it becomes more popular. The posting of photographs of children carries many risks. These are not only related to illegal pornography and the editing or distribution of the child’s photograph by strangers but are also related to malicious criminal acts of a broader nature since along with the child’s ‘image’, information about the child’s age, interests and habits is often posted
Another issue that has become more common nowadays is the exposure of children to the TikTok platform for “cloud hunting”. There are parents who upload their children on the platform either for financial purposes or to capture a memory. With the development of technology and AI, these pleasant events can end up being something much different. The capabilities that AI has developed mean that it can even create an entire online profile. It can also use images of the child to create other images with dangerous content. There have even been instances where it combines different elements (locations, or routines) to create a fake online life that does not correspond to the child’s real life.
It is important to continuously raise awareness and educate others about children’s right to privacy and how to protect their data online and in their physical life. Through information and education, which can not only be provided through various programs in schools but also through organizations that specialize in this area, children will learn how to manage the information they share with others, as well as how to recognize potential threats, and how to protect themselves in the digital world.
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