The United Nations has called on governments, technology companies, advertisers and media organisations to take urgent steps to protect children from growing risks associated with the internet and artificial intelligence.
In a new brief released ahead of International Youth Day, the UN warned that children and young people are increasingly exposed to disinformation, online harassment, algorithmic bias, harmful AI-generated content and other forms of digital abuse.
The report noted that more than eight in 10 young people aged 15 to 24 worldwide are now online, while internet use among young people in low-income countries is nearly twice the rate of the general population.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has previously called for an AI Child Safety Pledge aimed at strengthening protections for children. He compared emerging AI systems to untested medicine and warned against exposing children to poorly regulated technologies.
“No child should be a guinea pig for unregulated AI,” Guterres said, stressing that responsibility for harm should not be shifted to algorithms.
The UN said many online dangers are linked to business models designed to maximise users’ attention, personal data, engagement and spending. It identified addictive algorithms, manipulative digital designs, “dark patterns” and loot boxes among the practices that could encourage compulsive online behaviour.
Children are considered particularly vulnerable because their identities, habits and relationships are still developing. The UN also raised concerns about AI being used to create harmful content and facilitate the exploitation of children.
The organisation warned that hidden advertising techniques are increasingly being used to target young users and encourage online spending, potentially normalising commercial surveillance and manipulative digital practices.
However, the UN stressed that young people should not be viewed solely as victims of online harm. It described them as creators, journalists, organisers, advocates and active participants in public debate.
The report urged governments to involve young people in policymaking on information integrity and digital safety.
Charlotte Scaddan, a UN Senior Adviser on Information Integrity, said young people could play an important role in addressing the global digital information crisis.
“Protecting them and including them are not competing goals. We have to do both,” she said.
The UN called on governments to strengthen legal and policy measures protecting children online and urged technology companies to introduce stronger child-safety safeguards into their platforms.
Advertisers were also encouraged to respect children’s rights and avoid exploitative commercial practices, while news organisations were urged to provide young audiences with reliable and trustworthy information.
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