Age Assurance: Key Insights From The EDPB And ICO

Introduction

Age assurance is crucial for safeguarding children in the digital realm. Both the European Data Protection Board ("EDPB") and the Information Commissioner's Office ("ICO") have recently issued guidance on implementing age assurance measures. Below we compare the recent EDPB statement on age assurance with the ICO's guidance on the same topic.

Scope and Purpose

The EDPB's statement on age assurance, adopted on 11 February 2025 during its plenary meeting, aims to provide specific guidance and high-level principles derived from the GDPR to protect children's rights and personal data in the digital environment. The ICO's opinion on age assurance focuses on methods to prevent children from accessing inappropriate online content, emphasising compliance with data protection principles and the legislative framework, such as the Online Safety Act.