Responsible Data for Children

Youth Voices

Note: The views and ideas shared in this article come directly from the inspiring young leaders who contributed to the campaign as part of the Responsible Data for Children (RD4C) initiative. These voices reflect the unique perspectives of youth from diverse backgrounds and regions. While RD4C provided light editorial support to enhance readability, the content remains entirely theirs—authored by young people for young people. Their insights are independent and do not necessarily represent official positions or endorsements by UNICEF or The GovLab.   “为什么我会接到这么多骚扰电话？”“为什么应用软件可以监听我并做个性化推荐？”“为什么不同应用能够互通我的数据？” 在高度信息化的时代，这些问题几乎困扰着每个人。我们感觉自己好像在网络上“裸奔”：个人隐私不仅可能被泄露，甚至会被反复利用，而我们却对这些数据的去向一无所知。 在日本，一种新的数据流通方式试图颠覆上述场景，让个人数据回归个人掌控。2018年，日本总务省与经济产业省合作，召集专家小组，启动了这项有关数据信托的专题研究。经过多年公开讨论、征求意见和试点实践，一套相对完善的政策设计已经出炉，其创新应用也已初具雏形，尤其在拥有大量有关健康和医疗信息的老年群体中。 在数据信托模式下，老年人和数据控制者之间的传统关系被重新定义，信托公司和独立的第三方处理机构被引入——在日本，这一角色被称作“数据银行”；在中国，也有学者展开了类似探讨——它们接受老年人委托，作为合规主体管理个人数据，在其同意和指示下，将限定范围的数据提供给有需要的第三方使用。这一设计巧妙隔离了服务提供方对老年人数据的绝对掌控，不仅有效保障了老年人的数据安全，还在合规范围内最大化地释放了数据的经济价值，为智慧养老提供了有力支持。 作为互联网的重度使用者，未成年人也拥有大量数据，他们对商业社会的规则和数据流通的风险缺乏认知。这一群体是否同样可以受益于数据信托模式？ 未成年人的数据风险 在中国，未成年人的电子设备普及率已超过90%。数据信息在未成年人日常生活中所占的比重日益增加，与之相关的问题也变得更为尖锐。 首先是隐私安全问题，未成年人数据的泄露、滥用和非法交易是数据保护中的重大风险之一。人民日报旗下人民数据管理有限公司发布的报告显示，2022年，“未成年人信息安全”话题中涉及个人隐私的敏感信息占比达25.6%，同比增长201.7%。近七成家长表示收到过与孩子信息有关的推销电话或垃圾短信。由于技术与监管的滞后，未成年人数据在采集、存储和流通过程中易被滥用，而现有隐私保护措施仍显不足。 其次是数据垄断问题，大型互联网公司掌握着大量儿童和青少年的行为数据，这些数据不仅用于商业化运作，还形成了资源高度集中的局面。数据垄断使得教育、公益等机构难以公平获得所需数据，从而限制了未成年人在教育和社会服务领域的精准发展机会。 未成年人数据在保护与发展的平衡中也存在着矛盾。未成年人数据保护政策旨在全面保护未成年人，但在实际应用中，政策的普遍性与未成年人个体差异一定程度上构成冲突。事实上，即使是相同年龄的未成年人，由于先天和后天环境等因素的影响，各方面能力的往往存在差异，因此，对每个未成年人进行个性化评估可以更好地在保护其权益不受侵犯的前提下，满足未成年人对探索性、创新性内容获取的需求，避免“青少年模式”变“婴儿模式”的问题。 如果引入数据信托模式，这些问题或许能够得到有效缓解。依托制度方面的创新设计，未成年人的数据流通将在保障隐私安全的同时，最大化地实现为公益服务、为未成年人群体本身服务。 什么是数据信托？ 如上图所示，在数据信托模式下，未成年人及其监护人作为委托人，将数据财产权委托给信托公司。信托公司作为受托人，以维护未成年人利益为目标，承担信义义务，对数据的采集、存储、分析和流通进行监督与管理；而第三方机构负责具体的数据分析与合规使用。 对于未成年人来说，这样的设计让他们的数据不再“裸奔”，还能在保障安全的同时被善用，为教育、医疗等公益领域创造更多可能。对家长而言，这像是为孩子的数据建起了一道“防火墙”，在不确定的数字世界中提供了一份安心。 然而，这一看似理想的模式能否真正走向现实？基于贵州省的调研经验与相关文献研究，下文将进一步分析它的优势与潜在的落地挑战。 为什么数据信托适合未成年人？ 当前，未成年人及其监护人在面对数据控制者时往往处于弱势地位，而信托模式的引入将改变这一格局，有效平衡数据主体与数据控制者的权力差距。受托人以法律框架为依托，承担信义义务，强化未成年人及其监护人对数据使用的决策权，从而有效制衡数据控制者的权力。例如，信息银行作为符合国家规定标准的可靠主体，接受个人委托。管理个人数据，并在老年人同意的基础上，根据本人指示或预先设定的条件，将一定范围内的数据提供给第三方使用，以实现老年人数据的高效利用，这一模式同样可以借鉴到未成年人领域。 数据信托模式还可以平衡保护与赋权之间的矛盾。未成年人数据保护需要在“过度保护”与“适度赋权”之间找到平衡。通过秉持在合规前提下受益人权益最大化原则，这一模式可以充分发挥信托公司与第三方数据机构对数据价值挖掘的灵活性，通过负责任的数据处理和多样的制度设计，根据未成年人的具体情况，提供更加有针对性的服务，即按照未成年人年龄、认知水平和数据风险，分层设定权限。在确保数据隐私安全的同时，该模式将为未成年人提供接触新技术和数字资源的机会。 未成年人数据信托通过信托公司与第三方机构的合作，在保障数据安全的同时，还将提升数据流通效率。信托公司作为受托人，负责管理数据的所有权和使用权，明确规定数据的用途和流通范围，从而避免数据滥用或未经授权的使用。第三方机构则在数据处理过程中发挥技术监督作用，通过加密、脱敏和分布式存储等技术手段确保数据的安全性，并对数据流通过程进行实时监控，确保其符合合同规定。这样的结构化管理不仅可以提高数据流通的效率，明确的合规性审查还将降低数据泄露的风险。在这一模式下，数据主体能够确保其个人数据在多个环节都得到严格的保护，同时，数据的使用也能在安全的框架内得到高效处理，这种模式特别适用于未成年人数据的管理，因为这一群体的敏感性和脆弱性要求更高的安全保障。 此外，该模式独特之处还在于其对数据生命周期的全面管理，从采集、存储到使用和销毁，均嵌入法律和技术双重保护。这种设计不仅关注数据保护的安全性，还注重数据在合规条件下的最大化利用，为数据流通与隐私保护之间的平衡提供了解决方案。例如，随着儿童成长，其数据积累可能用于医疗、教育和职业规划等多个领域，而信托模式能够保障这些数据的长期安全与合规使用，从而为未成年人创造更多价值。 贵阳的探索：数据信托的未来 在今年八月随南开大学社会实践团队探访贵阳大数据交易所时，我了解到，中国第一笔具有数据信托色彩的个人数据流通计划已于2023年年初落地。该项目由招聘求职平台好活（贵州）网络科技有限公司（下称“好活”）发起，个人用户授权好活经营其个人简历，在保护隐私的前提下开发出数据产品，数据中介机构贵州吾道律师事务出具法律意见书，最终，好活通过算法和市场分析对简历进行定价，并将其在贵阳大数据交易所上架。据报道，用人企业每点阅一次简历，简历所有者就能获得二至三元不等的收入，求职者得以边找工作边挣钱。这一模式的落地为探索未成年人数据的信托管理带来了更多想象空间。 然而，在与负责人就该模式进一步沟通后，我发现，这种具有信托色彩的个人交易模式在推广和深入挖掘方面存在政策不明的难点，企业只能“摸着石头过河”。在与某数据服务公司访谈时，负责人向我们透露，该公司有意尝试面向个人的数据信托模式，但目前领导层还在观望政策动向。无独有偶，在我们采访的多家组织都表示了这种担忧，由此反映出“顶层设计”与“基层涌现”的差异还需要进一步协调与磨合。 令人意外的是，技术本身并不是数据信托模式的主要障碍。当前，数据流通的技术已较为成熟。在数据资产定价方面，贵阳大数据交易所已于2023年上线全国首个数据产品交易价格计算器，不断完善统一规范的数据流通定价规则和价格形成机制。在数据流通主体方面，企业、政府间的数据流通交易已经有一定规模，得益于官方背书支持，负责处理政府数据的大多是国企；民企则需要获得授权才可以开展相关业务。据了解，当前贵阳数据交易市场十分活跃，其业务场景包罗万象，包括政务民生数据的治理、保险与金融行业风险评估等，未来还将拓展医疗、交运等场景的解决方案。 贵州活跃的数据交易市场为未成年人数据信托提供了良好的实践基础，也带来了新的启发。政策的不明确和企业的观望态度，表明信托模式的推进还有很长的路要走。但从技术的成熟到定价机制的完善，数据信托已经有了一个良好的开端。 或许，正如贵阳的创新实践所展现的那样，未成年人数据的“裸奔”问题并非无解。通过数据信托模式的不断完善，未成年人数据的隐私保护与价值实现，正朝着可触及的未来迈进。 (Photo by Annie Spratt / Unsplash is licensed under CC0)   About the Author 陈美齐是南开大学商学院2022级本科生，关注个人数据权利保护等前沿议题，致力于推动以数据信托为基础的新机制探索与实践。她期待未来能够积极投身国际活动，促进多元文化的交流与合作。   Articles published in this series: Juventudes en gobiernos hiperconectados On the Digital Table, Youth Need a Voice, Not Just a Seat Who’s Really Watching? The Hidden Data Risks of Children’s “Phone Watches” AI时代的孩子：如何用“道德数据”守护他们的未来？ Youth Leading the Way: Innovating Data Governance in Humanitarian Aid

Youth Voices

Note: The views and ideas shared in this article come directly from the inspiring young leaders who contributed to the campaign as part of the Responsible Data for Children (RD4C) initiative. These voices reflect the unique perspectives of youth from diverse backgrounds and regions. While RD4C provided light editorial support to enhance readability, the content remains entirely theirs—authored by young people for young people. Their insights are independent and do not necessarily represent official positions or endorsements by UNICEF or The GovLab.   As humanity strives to harness the power of data, the world continues to witness innocent lives affected by unprecedented humanitarian crises. While data responsibility and data governance today can improve corporate performance and mitigate risks of data breaches in the business world, they are even more crucial in fostering trust between those in need and humanitarian aid agencies. They enable the humanitarian community to respond more effectively and efficiently in complex contexts.  In this evolving landscape, young people are at the forefront, bringing innovative perspectives to data governance and driving creative solutions that address the unique challenges of humanitarian efforts.    The Double-Edged Sword of Data in Humanitarian Aid Potential risks Data in humanitarian work is usually highly sensitive and can be viewed as strategically important in conflicts and disasters. If leaked, such data could identify the vulnerable communities, potentially leading to risks like human trafficking or political persecution, violating the “Do No Harm” humanitarian principle. Inadequate data governance in humanitarian efforts could result in inconsistent information sharing across a cluster system, limiting organizations’ ability to respond swiftly to disasters. For example, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) noted in the 170th Session of the Council it needed to integrate and improve the internal coordination of FAO data and statistics to better fulfill its mandate. In China, FAO collaborates closely with national statistical offices to gather data on food, nutrition, and agriculture to optimize its work. Opportunities Emerging AI tools can help reduce data management costs and explore best practices in managing using various algorithms. Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and other algorithms currently available can scan datasets for errors or inconsistencies and rectify them promptly, reducing human labor in data management. Organizations and individuals can take advantage of data visualization tools to analyze trends and frequencies of natural disasters or movements of internally displaced people. These advanced data analytics methods enable more accurate targeting of humanitarian aid missions and the design of tailored approaches using geospatial data to assist, for example, indigenous groups affected by rising sea-levels in the South Pacific region.   Ensuring Transparency in Data Sharing A universal database, combining elements of blockchain technology and ReliefWeb, the most popular humanitarian information service platform, should be established to better inform and monitor data usage. This system would automatically attach a dedicated tag to the user’s name and the data owner each time data is collected or used. Such a database should operate under the supervision of a multilateral agency like the UN. This approach would enhance transparency about their data usage, encourage more open data sharing, and indirectly deter cybercrime. Operating on a voluntary-sharing basis, the database will aggregate data from UN agencies, NGOs and national statistical offices. However, challenges such as the inherently conflicting interests in international relations could impede the development of such a database. Therefore, leaders must demonstrate political will and take collective actions as an informed data usage is crucial for the 2030 Agenda. On a personal note, while living in England, I received numerous automated phone calls claiming to be from immigration bureau, warning of visa issues and requesting personal information. This experience highlighted the vulnerability of individuals, especially those unfamiliar with their host country, to potential data theft schemes.   Youth as Catalysts for Inclusive Data Governance “The tour guide” Young people can explain data policies to less data-literate individuals at the community level, raising awareness. In China, the “College Graduates Serving as Village Officials ” initiative has been operating for many years. Under this scheme, college graduates are encouraged by governments to work at grassroots levels, contributing to local poverty alleviation efforts. These dedicated young people could organize seminars or workshops with local communities on data policies, ensuring that people are not left behind in the data era. “The third eye” In remote areas with relatively poor IT infrastructure , young people with IT backgrounds can join the national civil service, becoming the “third eye” to help address inconsistent data records caused by ill-informed officials or community mistrust. By engaging with communities, they can uncover previously unrecorded or unnoticed data, improving the efficacy of data policies.    Empowering Ethical AI Through Youth-Led Data Governance As early adopters of new technologies, young people are often among the first to interact with AI algorithms in their earliest forms. This unique position allows them to identify flaws or bugs that could potentially jeopardize data governance processes, stay alert to ethical breaches in AI usage, such as customer profiling on e-commerce platforms, report problems to supervisors or relevant authorities, ensuring AI is used responsibly and hold organizations accountable for ethical AI implementation in both private and public sectors.  By leveraging their technological savvy and ethical awareness, young people can play a crucial role in shaping responsible AI usage and robust data governance practices. They can actively identify biases and discriminations in AI systems to safeguard marginalised and vulnerable groups from further inequalities. As frequent users of social media platforms, young people have access to various channels to expose ethical risks that could threaten human rights, enabling public awareness and necessary adjustments.   Responsible data governance is essential for ethical and effective humanitarian efforts. By balancing the risks and opportunities of data use, embracing transparency, and empowering young people to lead change, we can build trust and ensure data helps protect those who need it most. (Photo by Salah Darwish / Unsplash is licensed under CC0)   About the Author Jin Xiaotong is a young advocate of transformative policies in humanitarian aid. One of her notable contributions is her work on refugee integration and basic education for children and teenagers in countries of destination for the Mediterranean migratory routes. Trained as a conference interpreter at the University of Bath, her communication expertise enabled her to amplify her voice on global platforms with UN Offices in Nairobi, Geneva and Vienna. Currently, she serves in the Communication and Advocacy Office at the East Asia Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), promoting innovative policies for the humanitarian landscape in the Asia Pacific region.   Articles published in this series: Juventudes en gobiernos hiperconectados On the Digital Table, Youth Need a Voice, Not Just a Seat Who’s Really Watching? The Hidden Data Risks of Children’s “Phone Watches” AI时代的孩子：如何用“道德数据”守护他们的未来？ 当未成年人在网上“裸奔”：一种数据信托的破局新思路

Youth Voices

Note: The views and ideas shared in this article come directly from the inspiring young leaders who contributed to the campaign as part of the Responsible Data for Children (RD4C) initiative. These voices reflect the unique perspectives of youth from diverse backgrounds and regions. While RD4C provided light editorial support to enhance readability, the content remains entirely theirs—authored by young people for young people. Their insights are independent and do not necessarily represent official positions or endorsements by UNICEF or The GovLab.   随着我们进入人工智能(AI)时代，数据已成为我们这个时代最有价值的资产之一。越来越多的政府、企业和机构将目光投向了与人工智能相关的数据治理。人工智能系统依赖大量数据来学习、适应和改进，在这种情况下，数据治理是指，确保以负责任、符合道德、符合所有利益相关者权利和利益的方式，管理数据的框架和实践。儿童是我们社会最脆弱的群体之一，他们的独特需求必须成为任何负责任的数据治理策略的核心。 在这篇文章里，笔者将讨论“道德的数据治理”(ethical data governance)这一概念，其旨在寻求数据保护与其有效利用之间的平衡，尤其关注作为数据创造者的儿童本人的权利、脆弱性及其数据被滥用的长期影响。 人工智能技术有潜力从根本上改变教育、医疗保健和其他直接影响儿童生活的领域。然而，推动这些技术的数据具有不少风险和挑战。儿童的数据，包括他们的行为模式、学习习惯和健康记录，通常在人工智能系统的输入端被广泛应用，而这些系统有可能深入影响他们生活和未来的决策。儿童还特别容易受到数据滥用的影响，因为他们缺乏充分了解数据收集、同意流程和潜在后果及其风险的自主权(agency)。虽然成年人可能有能力保护他们的数据隐私，但儿童并不总是能够就他们的数据如何被使用、谁有权限访问数据或他们的数据将被保留多长时间做出充分知情的决定。这意味着我们需要在理解儿童发展阶段、认知局限性和长期利益的基础上，对人工智能和数据的使用进行严格的监管。 2019年，YouTube母公司谷歌因违反《儿童在线隐私权保护法》（COPPA)被美国联邦贸易委员会(FTC)罚款1.7亿美元。YouTube被控长期在未经父母同意的情况下，收集13岁以下儿童的数据。该平台利用这些数据来跟踪儿童的在线行为，并向他们提供有针对性的广告。2014年，苹果公司被控允许儿童未经父母授权在应用内购买虚拟商品。最终，该公司以支付至少3250万美元向消费者全额退款为条件，与FTC达成和解。一名消费者投诉称，她的女儿在一款名为“Tap Pet Hotel”的游戏中花费了近2600 美元。这并不是孤例。由于儿童在认知上不成熟，他们很容易成为商业剥削的目标。 为人工智能设计“道德的数据治理”的挑战在于，找到数据保护和数据应用之间的平衡。一方面，保护隐私，尤其是儿童的隐私，至关重要。另一方面，数据在改善儿童服务、激发儿童潜能等方面的潜在好处也不容忽视。 理想的平衡必须对这种冲突性保持敏感，从而设计出既具有保护性功能又具有生产性功能的政策。针对“道德的数据治理”这一概念，笔者向从业人士提出以下呼吁： 第一，管理数据收集。我们应当对数据做到“Reduce、Reuse、Recycle”。首先尽可能减少数据的收集；收集后尽量重复使用，在有监管的情况下做到数据共享，避免不同的机构重复收集用户的数据；在数据达到储存有效期后告知用户，在征求同意后再次储存数据。 第二，确保知情同意。鉴于儿童理解数据应用的复杂性的能力有限，获得他们的知情同意并不总是实际“道德”的，我们通常需要父母或监护人的同意。数据治理框架还应该致力于建立一个系统，在儿童的成长过程中，为其提供与数据权利相关的知识和训练，逐步培养他们的数字素养。 第三，夯实数据安全。随着人工智能系统的激增，数据泄露、滥用和未经授权访问的风险不断增加。儿童数据尤其需要更加严格的安全措施，其中加密、访问控制和定期审计构成了“道德的数据治理”的支柱。 第四，考虑长期影响。我们必须清楚认识到，今天做出的任何有关如何使用儿童数据的决定可能会产生深远的长期影响。例如，数据滥用可能会导致不必要的数据分析、系统的被信任程度受到侵蚀，以及心理创伤，这将危及儿童的心理健康，并进一步影响他们未来的教育和职业发展机会。因此，“道德的数据治理”不仅要注重即时保护，还要注重最大限度地减少潜在的长期危害。 第五，改进问责制和透明度。处理儿童数据的人工智能系统必须以高度透明的方式运行。开发人员、使用组织等所有相关方必须公开声明正在收集哪些数据、如何处理这些数据，以及用于什么目的。同时，所有利用数据盈利的相关方必须确保每个环节责任到人，并有相应的法律规范他们的行为。这种问责制和透明度确保儿童及其看护者的权利得到尊重，并确保他们有权挑战不当的数据使用。 人工智能时代的数据治理充满挑战，但我们必须迎难而上，尤其是在保护儿童方面。人工智能可以释放新的机会并改善生活，但不应该以牺牲儿童的权利、安全或长期发展为代价。“道德的数据治理”的目标应该是促进创新，同时保护我们最弱势群体的隐私、尊严和未来。 为了实现这一目标，政府、企业和机构必须合作建立强大的、以儿童为中心的数据治理框架。这些框架应优先考虑儿童最大利益，确保人工智能技术以公平、透明和保护儿童独特脆弱性的方式开发和部署。只有在数据保护和数据应用之间取得适当的平衡，我们才能为每个儿童创造一个尊重其隐私、赋予其权利、助力其成长的数字未来。 (Photo by Igor Omilaev / Unsplash is licensed under CC0)   About the Author 姜剑欧，现为牛津大学工程系博士研究生，专注于结合机器学习的计算流体动力学研究，对数据治理和儿童权利等领域也有深入关注和研究。他本科毕业于帝国理工学院地球物理专业，硕士就读于剑桥大学科学计算专业，目前担任牛津大学中国学联副主席。   Articles published in this series: Juventudes en gobiernos hiperconectados On the Digital Table, Youth Need a Voice, Not Just a Seat Who’s Really Watching? The Hidden Data Risks of Children’s “Phone Watches” Youth Leading the Way: Innovating Data Governance in Humanitarian Aid 当未成年人在网上“裸奔”：一种数据信托的破局新思路

Youth Voices

Note: The views and ideas shared in this article come directly from the inspiring young leaders who contributed to the campaign as part of the Responsible Data for Children (RD4C) initiative. These voices reflect the unique perspectives of youth from diverse backgrounds and regions. While RD4C provided light editorial support to enhance readability, the content remains entirely theirs—authored by young people for young people. Their insights are independent and do not necessarily represent official positions or endorsements by UNICEF or The GovLab.   With the advancement of technology and the rise in popularity of smart devices, children's phone watches have become a common feature in family life in China. These devices offer parents convenience by enabling real-time tracking of their children’s location, communication, and even payment activities. While these watches provide significant benefits, such as enhanced security and ease of communication, they also raise important concerns regarding the collection, storage, and use of children's data. This piece explores the governance of children's data in relation to these watches, assesses the risks and opportunities involved in data utilization, and examines relevant laws and cases, particularly from the perspective of informed consent and your participation. Status and Challenges in Children's Data Governance Children's phone watches, specialized smartwatches used by parents to monitor and stay in contact with their children, collect a variety of sensitive data, including location, communication history, payment information, and even biometric data like voiceprints. Managing such data, particularly for minors, requires stringent ethical and legal oversight. However, there are notable deficiencies in the current market practices and regulatory framework for protecting children's data: Insufficient Informed Consent: Many parents are unaware of the full scope of data collected by children's phone watches or how this data is used. Despite the provisions of China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), which mandates informed consent for data collection, parental consent for children’s data is often reduced to a simplified “one-click agreement.” Parents may not receive adequate information about the types of data being collected, its uses, or the potential risks. Risk of Data Misuse: Children’s phone watches not only gather real-time location information but also connect to other smart devices, generating vast amounts of personal data. If this data is not properly managed, it can be misused by third parties. For instance, some applications may collect and analyze children's behavioral data for marketing or even data trading purposes, leading to significant privacy violations. Challenges in Supervision: The regulation of children's smart devices lags their rapid adoption. Although laws like the Cybersecurity Law and the Law on the Protection of Minors exist, there are no specific regulations addressing the governance of data generated by children’s phone watches. In the absence of dedicated regulations, industry self-regulation is also lacking, which allows smaller or less scrupulous manufacturers to cut corners on security, leading to potential data breaches and misuse. Opportunities and Potential Value of Data Utilization Despite the risks, the appropriate use of data generated by children's phone watches presents several opportunities that benefit both families and society at large: Enhancing Child Safety: One of the key features of children's phone watches is the real-time location tracking and communication functions that help parents monitor their children’s movements. In urban areas with busy traffic, this technology can prevent accidents or child disappearances, providing families with a much-needed sense of security. Monitoring Education and Development: Children’s phone watches can provide insights into daily activities and social interactions, allowing parents to better supervise and guide their children’s development. Schools and educational institutions can also use this data to develop personalized teaching plans, thereby improving the allocation of educational resources. Smart Health management: Some high-end children’s watches are equipped with health monitoring features such as heart rate tracking and activity data analysis. These features enable parents to monitor their child’s health, detect potential issues early, and take preventative measures to ensure their well-being. Informed Consent and Data Protection Informed consent is a cornerstone of data governance, especially when it comes to children’s data. Both the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) and the Law on the Protection of Minors require explicit consent from guardians for the processing of data for children under the age of 14. However, in practice, informed consent often becomes a formality, with many parents unaware of the scope and risks of the data collected by the device. Improving the Informed Consent Process: Manufacturers of children’s phone watches should ensure that parents are given clear and detailed information about the types of data collected, its intended use, and potential risks. This can be achieved through pop-up notifications, text descriptions, or video tutorials. Additionally, parents should have the flexibility to control and limit the data collected, rather than merely agreeing to all terms upfront through a single consent process. Enhancing Parents' Digital Literacy: To ensure that parents make informed decisions about the data use of their children’s phone watches, efforts should be made to improve their digital literacy. Educational institutions and community organizations can offer training programs or workshops that inform parents about data security, privacy protection, and the long-term implications of data misuse. By equipping parents with the knowledge to navigate the digital world, they will be better prepared to safeguard their children's data. Coordinated Regulation by Government and Industry: The government should continue to refine and enforce laws that address data collection and usage in children's smart devices. At the same time, industry associations should develop self-regulatory frameworks that encourage companies to prioritize security and adhere to privacy protection standards. Recent advancements in China’s data protection laws, such as the Cybersecurity Law (2017) and the Data Security Law (2021), have laid a solid foundation for personal data protection. However, more specific regulations focused on children’s devices are needed to address the unique challenges posed by such products. Youth Participation in Data Policies Recognizing the importance of youth perspectives in shaping data governance, it is crucial to involve young people in the policy-making process:  Youth Advisory Boards: Establish youth advisory boards that can provide input on data policies related to children's smart devices. These boards can offer unique insights into how young people use technology and their concerns about data privacy.  Educational Initiatives: Develop programs that educate young people about data responsibility and governance, empowering them to make informed decisions about their own data and advocate for their rights. Feedback Mechanisms: Create channels for young users to provide feedback on their experiences with smart devices, helping to identify potential issues and improvements in data governance practices. Conclusion and Recommendations Children’s phone watches provide substantial convenience and security for parents, but the data governance issues they raise cannot be ignored. Children’s privacy and data security are vital to their overall well-being and future development. Therefore, data governance must prioritize the best interests of children, balancing the benefits of technology with the need to mitigate risks. To improve data governance in children’s smart devices, the following measures are recommended: Strengthen legal frameworks specific to children’s data collection and usage, setting clear boundaries and obligations for manufacturers. Increase efforts to educate parents about digital literacy and data privacy, ensuring they can make well-informed decisions regarding their children’s data.  Enhance regulatory oversight and encourage industry self-regulation to ensure manufacturers comply with security standards and prevent data breaches.    Actively involve youth in the policy-making process to ensure their perspectives are considered in data governance decisions. By fostering collaboration between government, industry, parents and young people, we can create a safer digital environment where children’s data is protected, and the benefits of smart technology are fully realized. (Photo by Sophia Stark / Unsplash is licensed under CC0)   About the Author Minyue Shi recently earned a master’s degree in International Law from East China University of Political Science and Law. Her research focuses on data governance and the legal protection of personal and children’s data rights. Since her sophomore year, she has published papers on topics such as personal information protection and the evolution of digital trade rules in the data era. Minyue is deeply committed to advancing ethical data practices that prioritize safety and responsible data use for individuals in the digital age.   Articles published in this series: Juventudes en gobiernos hiperconectados On the Digital Table, Youth Need a Voice, Not Just a Seat AI时代的孩子：如何用‘道德数据’守护他们的未来？ Youth Leading the Way: Innovating Data Governance in Humanitarian Aid 当未成年人在网上“裸奔”：一种数据信托的破局新思路