NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – The United Nations is emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards for children and young people as digital platforms transform how they access information. A recent UN issue brief underscores risks such as disinformation, hate speech, harassment, artificial intelligence, and online systems driven by attention metrics. It also raises concerns related to personal data, behavioral advertising, and algorithmic content distribution. The report stresses that younger users require increased protections while maintaining access to online education, communication, and public engagement opportunities.
The Department of Global Communications published this brief in advance of International Youth Day on Aug. 12. According to the report, over 82% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are internet users worldwide. Digital connectivity can expand opportunities for learning, civic participation, and economic involvement. However, young users may also come across harmful content while still developing skills to evaluate information critically. The report notes that online risks can impact cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
The risks are categorized into three main areas in the report. Technology-related threats involve misuse of artificial intelligence and other digital tools. Distribution risks are linked to algorithms and the unequal availability of trustworthy information. Content risks encompass disinformation, harassment, and hate speech. The UN explains that these issues often intersect because digital systems influence what content users see and how widely it spreads. When platforms combine automated recommendations, data collection, and personalized content, young audiences can face multiple risks simultaneously.
Focus Grows on Platform Design and Its Impact
The brief also explores business models that rely heavily on user attention, personal data, and targeted advertising. It points out that engagement-oriented platforms can expose children to extreme material and features that promote frequent use. Personalized marketing adds another layer of risk for young users. The report urges technology firms and AI developers to incorporate children’s rights and safety considerations into their product design. It also calls for increased accountability for systems that influence what young people see online.
Age restrictions are now part of broader discussions about social media and child safety. The UN states that setting age limits alone cannot fully address online information risks. Digital spaces also serve as platforms for education, social connection, and emotional support. Young users actively create content, organize campaigns, and participate in public discussions. The brief emphasizes that safeguards should shield children from harm without restricting access to valuable digital tools that facilitate learning, communication, and involvement.
Incorporating AI Safety Into Child Protection Strategies
Artificial intelligence introduces new challenges in the online environment. Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an AI Child Safety Pledge, which includes systems accessible to children. The proposed measures feature child-specific safety testing and enhanced oversight before deployment. They also aim to take decisive action against AI-generated sexual images involving children. The broader UN initiative urges developers to identify, report, and remove such content while embedding child safety features into accessible AI systems.
The report emphasizes that governments, tech companies, advertisers, researchers, educators, and civil society all have vital roles in reducing digital harms. It also advocates for children and young people to participate in decisions shaping online environments. The brief applies the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity to issues affecting younger users. Its core message is that child safety, information accuracy, and digital engagement should progress hand-in-hand as online platforms and AI become increasingly integral to daily life.