"What can we do about online child protection? What measures should we take to ensure that the cyberspace is a safe and protective environment for children?
'It's never too late to take action, reassess our strategies, and focus on impactful solutions,” states Alexandra Martins, Leader of the UNODC's End Violence Against Children (ENDVAC) team as she opens a discussion on the critical need for proactive measures to empower and protect children in the online sphere.
The rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech in the world today represents a major threat to democracy, rule of law, development and peace.
As we navigate these turbulent waters, our discussions and strategies must evolve to reflect not only immediate risks but also the far-reaching implications these phenomena have on future generations.
“The urgency of addressing information integrity is evident,” says Alexandra. “Each day, countless narratives filled with untruths and biases find their way into the fabric of our societies, propagated by the very platforms that connect us,” she adds. “If we are to tackle this issue effectively, we need to employ a variety of tools, including rigorous analysis of the legal and policy frameworks that govern digital content.”
Alexandra recently participated in a G20 event in São Paulo on Promoting Information Integrity, ahead of the November Summit. Along with other vocal advocates, she focused on the importance of understanding the mechanics behind content curation.
“How algorithms promote certain information and the business models driving these decisions—is essential,” she says. “This knowledge helps us to pinpoint why harmful content achieves such visibility and traction in the digital sphere. However, beyond the mechanics and models, our focus must also turn significantly towards those who are most vulnerable to online manipulations and harm: children.”
“There are many other questions to be addressed, such as what economic incentives drive the business models to amplify certain messages over others? These are crucial questions because the answers help us understand why mis/disinformation campaigns are so effective and pervasive”, explains Alexandra.
Children, individuals below the age of 18, make up today over a third of internet users globally and are particularly vulnerable to the effects of misinformation and disinformation, including those related to mental health.
The repercussions of children’s exposure cannot be underestimated; they can include dangerous behaviours, such as self-harm and suicide, and perpetuation of cycles of violence and discrimination.
Given the stakes, it is crucial that any conversation about internet governance and the integrity of information includes a strong focus on the rights and safety of children. “This involves crafting regulations that go beyond mere content moderation to examine the structural issues within digital platforms that facilitate the spread of mis/disinformation,” confirms Alexandra.
She explains that there is a dire need for robust media literacy programs that empower users to critically evaluate the information they encounter online. “Educating parents, teachers, and children themselves about the nuances of digital content is no longer optional—it is imperative.”
“As global citizens, we must foster an online environment that respects and protects children,” says Alexandra. “This isn't just about safeguarding the vulnerable; it’s about ensuring the longevity and health of our democracies. We need a concerted effort to ensure that online platforms do not just serve as gateways to information but also as guardians of truth and fairness.”
Investing in comprehensive policies, education, and regulatory measures to combat misinformation and disinformation is crucial. We must embrace innovative solutions and international cooperation to address these challenges effectively. Only by doing so can we hope to create an online landscape that is safe and enriching for all, particularly for those who will one day inherit it.
Let’s commit to making the internet a safer, more truthful space for our children. Their well-being, and that of our future society, depends on it.
The G20 Leaders' Summit is scheduled for November 18 and 19, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, with the presence of the leaders of the 19 member countries, plus the African Union and the European Union.