A new emergency notification channel has been opened in Portugal for photos and videos of children: Everyone can report

The Portuguese Data Protection Authority CNPD has created a new priority reporting channel against the unlawful use of children's and young people's personal data on the internet.

The system called “Canal Prioritário” has been open for use since September 15, 2026.

The new channel is not just for parents. Children and young people can apply themselves, or anyone who notices that a child's content is being shared illegally on the internet can also make a report.

What situations can be reported?

According to the CNPD, the priority channel was created specifically for three types of situations:

Unauthorized access to children's personal data; collecting or sharing sensitive or violent images or sounds without consent; Targeted advertising practices aimed at children.

Applications and complaints within this scope may be evaluated as urgent by CNPD.

Therefore, the system is not just a tool for reporting a photo shared on social media; A broader mechanism for protecting children's personal data in the digital environment.

CNPD may take immediate action to stop the spread of content

One of the important aspects of the new channel is that it is not limited to collecting complaints only.

CNPD states that it may take urgent measures to limit the spread of unlawful content that poses a serious risk to people's rights and freedoms on the internet.

Concrete Depending on the nature of the incident, the information provided may also be forwarded to authorized public institutions, including judicial authorities.

In the case of cross-border data processing, information can be shared with other data protection authorities in the European Economic Area through the relevant European system.

The child can also apply himself.

One of the striking features of the system is that it allows children and young people to directly reach the CNPD.

For example, in case a sensitive image of a child is shared without permission, only the mother or father does not have to apply. The child himself or another citizen who detects the post can also use the channel.

CNPD President Paula Meira Lourenço states that the new mechanism aims to strengthen the protection of personal data of children and young people in the digital environment.

The new channel was implemented within the scope of strategic studies in CNPD's multi-year activity plan for the 2024-2026 period.

Where is the reporting channel?

There is a direct application form on the official “Canal Prioritário” page of the CNPD:

https://www.cnpd.pt/cidadaos/canal-prioritario/

Resources

Comissão Nacional de Proteção de Dados (CNPD), 17 September 2026

https://www.cnpd.pt/comunicacao-publica/noticias/cnpd-lanca-canal-prioritario-para-criancas-e-jovens/

CNPD — Canal Prioritário

https://www.cnpd.pt/cidadaos/canal-prioritario/

Renascença, 18 September 2026

https://rr.pt/noticia/pais/2026/09/18/cnpd-lanca-site-para-denuncia-de-partilha-ilicita-de-fotos-e-videos-de-menores/485980/