Guidance

Privacy notice for children

Updated 14 November 2024

A person with a reading age of at least 13 should be able to follow the main points set out in this charter:

This page gives important information about our website and information we might collect about you. This website is run by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

We must provide children with the same information about what we do with personal data as we would give to adults. For processing to be fair, there is the same need for transparency, as this gives an individual control and choice.

We do not intentionally collect or maintain data about anyone under the age of 13.

We do not provide services directly to children or proactively collect their personal information. However, we are sometimes given information about children while handling a complaint or conducting an investigation. The information in the relevant parts of this notice applies to children as well as adults.

Do you collect information about me?

If you are just browsing, we don’t collect any information about you.

If you register for an account, we will collect some information about you. For example, you might tell us your:

  • name, email address, location and school when you register for a username or account
  • other personal information if you send us a help request

We only collect the information that you provide to us.

Why do you collect information about me?

We collect information about you to create your user account.

We also use your information to tell you about services we think you will like. If you don’t want to hear about these services, please don’t tick the box where we ask for your permission. Also, if you later decide you don’t want to hear from us you can ask us to stop contacting you.

Do you share my information with anyone?

No, we don’t give your information to anyone else unless we have legal reason to do (such as safeguarding concerns).

Questions and complaints

If you have any questions or complaints, please contact the Data Protection Team at dpo@ipo.gov.uk.

If you have any complaints about the way we handle your information you can also contact the DPO at DSIT dataprotection@beis.gov.uk or if you have exhausted that route, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office. They have the power to investigate us and make sure we follow the law. Go to Information Commissioner’s Office website for more information.