The Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information

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Streaming or downloading videos — what should you pay attention to?

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The use of streaming services often replaces traditional television in everyday life. You can selectively compile the desired program for your children via the TV, tablet or smartphone. And with their own devices, many children also stream on their own at some point and/or download videos. You should also pay attention to some issues when streaming, as of course not all services are aimed exclusively at children.

Please always secure your accounts and your children’s accounts with two-factor authentication. Adjust the privacy settings of streaming services and download files only from secure sources. The Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI) advises against using illegal streaming services, since it is likely that there is a significant flow of data, without you being able to adequately understand this. At the same time, there are often no parental control settings. When streaming, you are connected to the Internet. Children can also quickly get to see unsuitable content for them. If possible, set up your own (children-) accounts for your children. Streaming services must comply with the Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Human Dignity and the Protection of Minors in Broadcasting and in Telemedia and adopt the statutory clearance of the Voluntary Self-Regulation Body (FSK). However, if there are no age ratings, the streaming services rate their series and films themselves. In any case, you should always be attentive and have a close look at the parental control settings of the streaming services.

Please always remember: User data are and remain valuable. According to German law, the privacy policies or the General Terms and Conditions must disclose which of your data are collected. However, this is not always the case even with large providers. You often have to grant far-reaching rights to these streaming services. Make sure that your children do not publicly share their own favorite lists or preferences and never disclose personal information, such as e-mail addresses or phone numbers, when commenting on content. These are small but effective means to protect your children’s data. Try to be a role model in the sensitive handling of streaming services and downloading videos. Explain to your children why the careful handling of their own data is so important.

When convenient, watch contents together with your children. What formats are your children interested in? Arrange rules and activate parental controls, especially for younger children.  A trustworthy accompaniment in the selection of streaming content supports the safe handling of the services, but also of unwanted content.