Sharenting as a regulatory paradox – a comprehensive overview of the conceptualization and regulation of sharenting

Abstract

Abstract The present study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the conceptualization and regulation of sharenting, a new media phenomenon strongly intertwined with the online sphere. Through a comprehensive literature review and legal analysis, the article analyses a wide array of academic sources, case studies, and sources of law to understand the polemics and implications of sharenting. The study provides a systemic overview of sharenting definitions to provide a synchronized concept. A significant portion of the research is dedicated to a comparative legal analysis of international regulations. The article examines the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the US Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, and the European General Data Protection Regulation to assess their effectiveness in addressing the issues related to sharenting. Findings reveal that while these regulations provide some protection, they often fall short in fully safeguarding children’s digital identities from the risks associated with sharenting. To opt for a more activist approach, the article concludes with 17 recommendations aimed at both parents and policymakers. These recommendations include practical steps for parents to protect their children’s privacy online and suggestions for policymakers to enhance existing regulatory frameworks.