In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, European states should enhance safeguarding measures in processing personal data of children, notably health-related data and data collected in education settings, to minimise potential adverse effects, including the public identification of a child as a Covid-19 carrier, said the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in a declaration adopted on 28 April 2021 focusing on protecting children’s privacy in digital environment.

While acknowledging the opportunities and benefits of online products and services, such as those presented by remote learning and enabling contact with family and friends, the Committee of Ministers expressed its concern about the consequences and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children as a result of increased online activities or of digital exclusion. It called on the states to “exercise increased vigilance” while taking steps to bridge the digital divide among children to ensure that they can all fully enjoy their human rights.