The Young and the Watched and the Future of Child Privacy in the Age of AI

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, children among the most vulnerable digital citizens are exposed to unprecedented data surveillance and profiling. This article critically examines the intersection of AI technologies, data security, and the evolving concept of child privacy in the digital age. It explores how AI-driven platforms collect, process, and exploit children's personal data through educational tools, social media, smart toys, and surveillance systems. The chapter highlights key ethical concerns, such as the lack of informed consent, algorithmic bias, and the permanence of digital footprints. It evaluates current legal frameworks and identifies gaps in policy and enforcement, particularly in contexts where children are treated as data subjects rather than rights-holders. Emphasizing the urgent need for child-centric AI governance, the chapter proposes stronger safeguards, transparent data practices, and a redefinition of privacy norms to protect the digital futures of children in an AI-powered world.