This paper captures insights from a workshop with young people, all with lived experience in the out-of-home care system. It explores their perspectives on online privacy and aims to reflect their voices as authentically as possible. The briefing was shared with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner to inform the development of the Children’s Online Privacy Code.

Working in small groups, participants discussed their experiences and concerns around online privacy. This report presents their thoughts in their own words, alongside reflections from adult facilitators, to highlight key themes and insights.

The most important messages the group wanted to share with the Privacy Commissioner about their online privacy experiences were:

1. Lack of control: We feel like there is a lack of control over our data. We don’t always know where our data goes or what it is used for.
2. Lack of choice: We don’t have choices over our data. It feels like there’s pressure to select certain things. Like you have to say ‘yes’ to access a website or app, or click yes to the cookies. It’s too frustrating and time consuming to say no.
3. Advertising is a concern: The advertising that we get is a worry, there’s no control over it, and sometimes it is inappropriate and we can’t get rid of it.
4. Online privacy is a worry: We are worried about our online privacy. The lack of privacy keeps you worried about what you can and can’t click and what its going to take you to.