Blog post by Nathanson fellow Maryam Sheikh.
Privacy is a fundamental human right. The United Nations recognizes the right to privacy as one that enables the enjoyment of other rights, including the ability to express one’s personality, identity, and beliefs, and to participate meaningfully in social, political, and civic life. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child further emphasizes that legislative and administrative actions by state parties must treat the best interests of children as a primary consideration.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s exploratory consultation on the development of a children’s privacy code underscores the growing recognition of youth data governance as a policy priority. However, Canada has yet to finalize a legislative framework that comprehensively protects youth online. In the meantime, young people are left especially vulnerable to the consequences of weak privacy protections. The rapid evolution of social media platforms and generative AI raises pressing concerns about exploitation and the unconsented collection and use of personal data.
In response to these ongoing challenges, my research bridges law and philosophy to examine how Canadian privacy frameworks can and ought to better safeguard young people’s rights. Ethical principles such as justice, fairness, and autonomy guide this inquiry and shape how I assess the responsibilities of digital platforms, governments, and regulators. I also track legal and legislative developments in Canada, the United States, and Europe to explore how each jurisdiction approaches issues of consent, data collection, and online safety while balancing broader commitments to free expression and the public interest. My hope is that this project contributes to ongoing policy discussions on ethical digital governance frameworks that uphold young people’s privacy, autonomy, and dignity, while providing insights that support advocacy for digital literacy education.