UN Demands Action: 80% of Youth Exposed to Online Risks
The United Nations has called for urgent action to protect children from online information risks, with over 80% of youth aged 15 to 24 worldwide using the internet and facing increasing threats. The UN has urged governments, technology companies, advertisers, media, and researchers to prioritize protecting young people from disinformation, harassment, algorithmic bias, and the malicious use of artificial intelligence. Children and youth are particularly vulnerable to these practices, which are closely linked to business models reliant on monetizing user attention and personal data.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence continues to outpace efforts to manage its risks, including AI-generated content, new forms of exploitation, and targeted digital advertising strategies that encourage increased spending among children. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for stronger safety measures for children in AI, emphasizing that they must not be exposed to unregulated and unaccountable technologies. The UN has stressed that young people should not be viewed merely as vulnerable targets, given their growing roles as content creators, advocates, organizers, and active participants in public discussion.
The UN’s call to action highlights the need for swift integration of children’s and youth’s rights into AI governance frameworks, while strengthening legislation and corporate practices. This move aims to protect young people from the increasing risks they face in the digital environment, including disinformation, harassment, and algorithmic bias. As the proportion of youth using the internet is nearly double that of the rest of the population in low-income countries, the need for urgent action to safeguard children’s online safety has become more pressing than ever.
The UN’s warning comes ahead of International Youth Day, which serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting young people’s rights and interests in the digital age. With the rise of artificial intelligence and the increasing use of the internet among youth, it is crucial that governments, technology companies, and other stakeholders take immediate action to address the digital risks faced by children and youth.
