The Internet of Toys: Playing Games with Children’s Data?

Abstract

Children are increasingly the subject of data collection practices. A growing point of contention is the way in which the Internet of Things (IoT), and in particular the Internet of Toys, affects children and their rights to privacy and data protection. This chapter conducts an exploration of key fundamental rights and data protection legislation that are relevant to the Internet of Toys context in the United States and the European Union. Adopting a children’s rights perspective, it conducts an analysis of the US Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, the EU General Data Protection Regulation and the future ePrivacy Regulation, and it reflects on their implementation and enforcement in practice. Finally, it makes a number of practical recommendations for Internet of Toys actors, policymakers and regulators.