NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – The United Nations urges the digital industry to accelerate efforts in safeguarding children and adolescents from escalating online information hazards. A recent UN issue brief highlights key concerns such as disinformation, hate speech, harassment, algorithmic manipulation, and artificial intelligence. It also underscores dangers associated with data collection, behavioral advertising, and digital systems engineered to capture attention. These warnings come amid a context where young users increasingly depend on online environments for learning, communication, information sharing, and civic engagement.
Ahead of International Youth Day on Aug. 12, the Department of Global Communications issued the brief. It notes that over 82% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are internet users globally. Such connectivity facilitates education, civic participation, and economic inclusion, yet harmful online ecosystems can adversely influence the cognitive, emotional, and social growth of young people. The report also points out that children and teens are still developing the skills necessary to evaluate the information they encounter online.
The UN categorizes the threats into three areas: technological risks, distribution systems, and harmful content. Risks related to technology include the misuse of digital tools and artificial intelligence. Distribution-related threats involve algorithms, digital inequality, and diminished access to independent journalism. Content-based risks encompass disinformation, online harassment, and hate speech. The report emphasizes that these issues often intersect, as technology influences how information reaches users and determines which content gains prominence across digital platforms.
Child safety concerns prompt scrutiny of digital platforms
Much of the brief examines how major technology providers design their digital services and generate revenue. It suggests that attention-focused systems can foster practices that manipulate psychological vulnerabilities among young users. Additionally, data collection and behavioral advertising support highly tailored marketing strategies. Exposure to extreme content and compulsive design features are among the primary concerns raised. The report urges technology firms and AI developers to embed child rights and safety considerations into the design of their products and services.
In several regions worldwide, governments are proposing or implementing stricter online safety regulations for children. Age restrictions on social media access are among the most discussed measures. Nonetheless, the UN brief stresses that such limits alone cannot fully address the spectrum of digital risks. It recognizes the vital role online platforms play in education, social interactions, and emotional support. Youth-led organizations increasingly leverage these platforms for advocacy, organization, and public engagement, despite ongoing threats like harassment, surveillance, and disinformation.
UN’s broader initiative incorporates AI safety measures
Artificial intelligence introduces an additional layer to the debate on online safety. 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 carry out child-specific safety evaluations and ensure independent oversight before deploying AI systems accessible to minors. The pledge also advocates for zero tolerance toward AI-generated sexual images involving children, including mechanisms to detect, report, and eliminate such content from digital platforms.
The United Nations stresses that protecting young populations necessitates coordinated efforts involving governments, tech companies, advertisers, researchers, educators, and civil society. Its strategy highlights the importance of meaningful youth participation in shaping policies and systems affecting digital environments. The brief references five UN Global Principles for Information Integrity, which promote trust, healthier incentives, public empowerment, independent media, transparency, and research. The organization advocates for stronger safeguards for young users while preserving their rights to learn, communicate, create content, and engage in public life online.