NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – The United Nations is urging swifter measures to shield children and youth from the escalating risks posed by online information. An emerging UN issue brief highlights key concerns such as disinformation, hate speech, harassment, algorithmic manipulation, and artificial intelligence. It also emphasizes dangers related to data collection, behavioral advertising, and digital systems designed to capture and hold attention. These warnings come amid the increasing reliance of young people on online platforms for education, communication, information, and civic involvement.
The Department of Global Communications issued the brief in anticipation of International Youth Day on Aug. 12. According to the report, over 82% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are internet users worldwide. This connectivity supports their learning, civic engagement, and economic inclusion. Yet, harmful digital environments can negatively impact their cognitive, emotional, and social growth. The document also notes that children and teenagers are still developing critical skills to evaluate the information they encounter online.
The UN categorizes these threats into three main groups: technological risks, distribution system vulnerabilities, and harmful content. Risks related to technology encompass the misuse of digital tools and artificial intelligence. Challenges associated with access and distribution include algorithms, digital inequality, and diminished independence of journalism. Content-related threats involve disinformation, online harassment, and hate speech. The report points out that these issues often overlap, as technology influences how information is delivered and which content receives greater visibility across various digital platforms.
Digital platforms under scrutiny for child protection practices
The brief pays particular attention to how major tech companies design digital services and their revenue models. It suggests that attention-based systems may promote practices that exploit the psychological vulnerabilities of younger users. Data collection and behavioral advertising further enable highly tailored marketing strategies. Among the concerns raised are exposure to extreme content and addictive design features. The report urges technology firms and AI developers to embed child rights and safety considerations into the development of their products and services.
Several governments worldwide are considering or have enacted stronger regulations aimed at online safety for children. Measures such as age restrictions on social media use are among the most debated. However, the UN brief emphasizes that such restrictions alone do not fully address the array of digital risks. It also acknowledges the vital role online spaces play in providing education, social interaction, and emotional support. Youth-led organizations increasingly leverage digital platforms for advocacy, organizing, and civic engagement, despite facing challenges like harassment, surveillance, and disinformation campaigns.
UN emphasizes AI safety as part of a comprehensive global effort
Artificial intelligence introduces additional complexities into online safety conversations. During the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in July, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an AI Child Safety Pledge. He emphasized that companies should undertake child-specific safety testing and ensure independent oversight before deploying AI systems accessible to children. The pledge also advocates for zero tolerance toward AI-generated sexual images involving children, alongside measures to detect, report, and eliminate such harmful content from digital platforms.
The United Nations states that safeguarding young people online demands concerted efforts from governments, tech firms, advertisers, researchers, educators, and civil society. Its strategy includes promoting meaningful participation of children and youth in decisions that shape digital environments. The brief endorses five UN Global Principles for Information Integrity, which focus on building trust, fostering healthier incentives, empowering the public, ensuring independent media, and promoting transparency and research. The UN affirms that while stronger safeguards are necessary for young users, they should also retain opportunities for learning, communication, content creation, and active participation in public life through online channels.