Advancing children’s privacy and data protection rights: emerging data protection trends and challenges in selected CEE countries

ENThe digital environment has made the processing of childrens personal data a critical issue, particularly in settings where children spend substantial amounts of time, such as schools, homes, and leisure facilities. This chapter examines the implementation and enforcement of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in relation to childrens privacy and data protection rights, with a specific focus on Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Drawing on responses from national Data Protection Authorities (DPA) in six CEE countries, as well as recent enforcement actions, this analysis identifies trends, challenges, and potential gaps in current practices. The findings suggest that, while the GDPR provides a robust framework for the protection of children’s personal data, notable disparities in enforcement and prioritisation remain across the region. Building upon the pioneering efforts of certain European countries to enhance childrens privacy and data protection rights, this chapter offers practical recommendations to improve enforcement, strengthen safeguards, and promote accountability among data controllers within the CEE region. It highlights the need for a more balanced approach combining education and awareness raising with effective regulatory oversight to ensure that childrens best interests remain at the centre of data protection efforts in an increasingly digitalised world.