Azernews.Az

By Alimat Aliyeva

More than 80% of people aged 15–24 worldwide use the Internet, giving young people unprecedented access to information, education and communication. At the same time, the digital environment exposes them to growing risks, from cyberbullying and disinformation to online exploitation and the misuse of artificial intelligence, AzerNEWS reports.

Ahead of International Youth Day, the United Nations called on governments, technology companies, advertisers, media organizations and researchers to strengthen protections for children and young people online.

According to a UN analytical note, many of these threats are not accidental. They are closely linked to digital business models built around monetizing users’ attention and personal data, as well as the way online platforms are designed. Children can be particularly vulnerable to algorithms that encourage excessive screen time, addictive behavior and targeted advertising.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence is creating another layer of risks. Deepfakes, AI-generated content and other forms of technology misuse can make it harder for young people to distinguish reliable information from manipulation.

In July, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a “Global Commitment on Child Safety in the Field of AI”, arguing that stronger safeguards are needed as AI systems become increasingly widespread.

“No child should be a guinea pig for unregulated AI.”

The UN also stresses that young people should not be viewed solely as a vulnerable group. They are also active participants in shaping the digital environment — creating content, organizing social initiatives and contributing to public debates. However, young activists, particularly girls and members of minority groups, can face increased levels of cyberbullying, harassment and online surveillance.

The UN is calling for stronger legal protections, built-in safety mechanisms for digital products, greater attention to children’s rights in online advertising, high-quality content for younger audiences and better data collection, particularly in countries of the Global South.

An interesting fact: AI-generated images, videos and voices are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from real ones. This means that traditional digital-literacy skills — such as checking sources and questioning suspicious content — are becoming just as important for young people as basic online safety.

The UN is now working on international approaches to AI governance through initiatives including the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.

The message is clear: as technology develops faster than regulation, protecting children online will require more than general principles. Safety needs to be built into the digital products and AI systems that young people use every day.