Simone van der Hof is a full Professor of Law and Digital Technology at the Center for Law and Digital Technology (eLaw) at Leiden Law School, Leiden University.

More information about Simone van der Hof

Simone van der Hof is a full Professor of Law and Digital Technology at the Center for Law and Digital Technology (eLaw) at Leiden Law School, Leiden University.

Research

Simone van der Hof’s research focuses on the intricate relationship between children’s rights and digital technologies, with a particular emphasis on three vital dimensions: privacy and data protection, protection against economic exploitation, and the fundamental right to play. Her work explores the ever-evolving landscape of children’s rights in the digital era, seeking to understand and address the unique regulatory challenges posed by digital technologies to the rights and well-being of children.

One primary area of Simone’s research centers on privacy and data protection for children. With digital technologies becoming pervasive in various aspects of children’s lives, she investigates the implications of data collection, tracking, and profiling. Simone examines how children’s personal data is potentially exploited in online environments and assesses the extent to which legal protections safeguard children’s fundamental right to privacy and data protection.

Another significant aspect of her research is the protection of children against economic exploitation. With the rise of new forms of child labor in the digital age, such as children acting as social media influencers, eSport participants, or content creators on platforms like YouTube, Simone explores the legal dimensions surrounding these activities. Additionally, she investigates novel forms of economic exploitation, including unfair commercial practices such as behavioral design practices and dark patterns in digital services that may negatively impact the rights and well-being of children.

Simone’s research also emphasizes the importance of upholding the right to play in children’s lives. In the digital era, where online entertainment and gaming platforms play a substantial role in children’s leisure activities, she examines how digital technologies influence their ability to engage in free, unstructured play. Her research explores the potential risks and benefits of digital play spaces, addressing issues such as commercialization and online safety. The goal is to ensure that children’s right to play is respected and supported in the digital environment.

Teaching

Simone teaches several courses on children’s rights and digital technologies, including “Digital Child Rights” in the Advanced Master on Law and Digital Technologies, “Children’s Rights and Digital Technologies” in the Advanced Master International Children’s Rights, and “Kind en Internet” in the Master Jeugdrecht (Youth Law).

Professional career

See LinkedIn.

Publications