Video sharing website YouTube has been accused of collecting data about children under 13, which could breach the UK's data privacy code.
A campaigner filed a complaint against the tech giant with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), claiming that they track the videos that children watch as well as where they are watching and the devices they use.
Data is not tracked on the YouTube Kids app without a parent's consent, but campaigner Duncan McCann argued that children may use family devices where it can be gathered automatically.
"My preferred reform that YouTube should make is that actually when you enter YouTube, they don't collect any unnecessary and process any unnecessary information," Duncan told the BBC.
"The best way to ensure that they are only collecting the data of adults who are properly consenting would be to have a process where adults can sign in to the tracking, recommendation systems, profiling, targeted ads."
The ICO children's code, which launched in 2020, is aimed to provide better safeguarding for kids online. YouTube blocked ad targeting and personalisation for all children following the launch of the Code.
The ICO are reportedly considering the complaint carefully. The watchdog has the power levy a fine of up to £17.5m or four percent of worldwide turnover, whichever is the higher.
Jonathan Compton, partner at DMH Stallard and expert in UK data protection regulations, commented: "The ICO has a range of powers and penalties at its disposal.
"It can serve an Enforcement, an Assessment or an Information Notice - requiring the delivery up of documents and information - and a power to levy a fine of up to £17.5m or 4% of worldwide turnover, whichever is the higher.
"Those faced with an investigation are better advised to co-operate and enter into voluntary arrangements with the ICO if at all possible."
Meanwhile, YouTube has said that it has made a number of investments to protect children and their families.
A YouTube spokesperson told the Daily Record: "Over the years, we’ve made investments to protect kids and families, such as launching a dedicated kids app, introducing new data practices for children’s content, and providing more age-appropriate experiences.
"Building on that long-standing approach and following the additional guidance provided by the Code, we implemented further measures to bolster children’s privacy on YouTube, such as more protective default settings and a dedicated YouTube Supervised Experience.
"We remain committed to continuing our engagement with the ICO on this priority work, and with other key stakeholders including children, parents and child protection experts."
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