Digital Technologies and Children’s Rights: Balancing Control, Protection, and Consent
Author(s)
Date Issued
2025
Type
article
Issue
48
Start Page
19
End Page
45
Journal
Abstract
The protection of children’s rights in the digital age faces challenges despite legislative efforts. This paper explores the tension between children’s control over their data and the control exercised over them by adults, drawing on the theory of subjectivation and objectivation, and against the background of United Nations and European Union legislation. Two specific areas will be examined. The first is ‘sharenting’, where adults share children’s data (e.g. photos, videos) without their consent, potentially violating their rights. The second is the fingerprinting of chil-dren from third countries during border control procedures. In both cases, children’s vulnerability is not balanced by their ability to participate in decision-making, lea-ding to potential objectification. While these issues are not illegal, they raise ethical concerns about children’s rights to autonomy and protection.