Last week, the UK and US signed a bilateral agreement focused on improving online safety for children through a new joint working group. This initiative aims to improve research on social media’s impact on young people, promote transparency from digital platforms, and ensure safety in technology, including emerging technologies such as generative AI.

In the rapidly advancing age of artificial intelligence (AI), the protection of children from potential risks has become a paramount concern on a global scale. As AI technologies continue to permeate various aspects of our lives, including education, entertainment, and social interaction, international agreements are crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of children in this digital era.

On the 1st of October, 2024, the Association of African Universities, the University of Nottingham, and the Ethical Data Initiative held a panel discussion on Child Protection in the Age of AI as part of their Ethical Data Discussion Series.

The event brought together education professionals, child protection experts, and legal experts, to discuss the pressing need to influence and shape national and international policies governing children’s safety online. It highlighted the importance of international and interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based recommendations in this complex domain.

One of the key points raised during the event was the importance of considering the evolving capacities of children when crafting policies related to online safety. Additionally, it was noted that a strict application of the law can sometimes be counterproductive, particularly in cases where children are victims. The panel highlighted the need for a balanced approach that protects children while also ensuring their access to valuable online content and services.

The discussion also shed light on the varying levels of digital literacy among parents and caregivers. It was broadly emphasised that not all parents possess the necessary digital confidence to make informed decisions about their children’s online activities. As a result, there was a call for schools to play a greater role in implementing digital literacy as part of the core curriculum. This approach could help ensure that children receive consistent education on online safety, regardless of the digital literacy levels of their parents. Abhlash Nair, Vice Chancellor and Professor of Internet Law at the University of Exeter Law School warned we should avoid “a situation where children are excluded from content and services that they should have access to and that have benefit or value for them.” Trust is a crucial factor, and panelists emphasised the need for technology companies and governments to go further to build trust with schools and parents.

While existing legal and policy frameworks for cybersecurity and data protection, such as the Malabo Convention and GDPR, provide a good basis on which to build enhanced online protection measures; a broader approach might be needed.

One of the key international agreements addressing child protection in the age of AI is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This landmark treaty, adopted in 1989, outlines the basic human rights that should be afforded to children and provides a comprehensive framework for their protection. In the context of AI, the UNCRC underscores the importance of safeguarding children from harmful content, exploitation, and privacy violations in digital environments.

Such is the importance of child protection and safety within the international community that the UNCRC has the most signatures of any international agreement. Only one country has not yet ratified it (though they were instrumental in the creation of the accord) due to legal issues, domestic politics and concerns around parental rights.

International Policy Advisor and Expert, Stefano Rimini, underscored the importance of children and communities having a voice in the debate. Initiatives like the EU Children’s Participation Platform provide a unique opportunity to include the main stakeholders – young people – in the co-creation of the laws and policies designed to protect them.

Furthermore, the panel addressed the role of policymakers in addressing online safety concerns. It was highlighted that there is a pressing need for comprehensive policies that take into account the interests of children and the complexities of the online environment. Dr Admark Moyo, Senior Lecturer in Family Law at Stellenbosch University, underlined the necessity of collaboration between policymakers, educators, and parents to create a safe online environment for children.

As AI continues to evolve, international cooperation and coordination are essential to address the complex challenges of child protection in the digital age. Governments, technology companies, and civil society organizations must work together to uphold the principles enshrined in international agreements and ensure that children can harness the benefits of digitisation and AI while being shielded from potential harms.