The Information Commissioner's Office, one of the public bodies dealing with data protection and electronic communications in the UK, has suggested that Facebook should disable its "like" button for children using its platform.

These “nudge techniques,” the ICO says, should not be used to encourage children to hand over more of their personal data, or to encourage users to spend longer on the social media site as they otherwise would.

This recommendation is not unique to Facebook, though; 'nudge techniques' range across platforms and could include Instagram likes and Snapchat 'streaks.'

A streak, on Snapchat, is when two users send a photo to each other within 24 hours for more than three consecutive days, after which the number of days will appear next to the users' name. Larger streaks are encouraged, as it implies that you're better friends with the person.

As well as disabling 'likes', one of 16 recommendations, the ICO also suggests that:

• The default setting of any app must be 'high privacy,' unless companies can demonstrate a reason why a lower setting might be in the best interests of the child.
• Applications switch off location tracking by default, and should clearly inform the child when their location is being tracked.
• Privacy information and policies must be conveyed in a concise and clear way, suited to the age of the child.

The consultation will last until the end of May, with the final version of the code expected to come into effect by 2020.

Elizabeth Denham, the Information Commissioner, said: “This is the connected generation. The internet and all its wonders are hardwired into their everyday lives. We shouldn’t have to prevent our children from being able to use it, but we must demand that they are protected when they do. This code does that.”

This news comes after a government whitepaper said that an independent regulator will be set up to levy fines against social media companies, online messaging services and file hosting sites. These companies will have to comply with a government-set code of ethics to meet a 'duty of care' - pointing users towards helpful resources, or designing their products in a safer manner.