New York, Aug. 11 (SANA) The United Nations warned of risks associated with excessive internet use among children and young people and their possible exposure to misinformation, harassment, and exploitation.
UN News Centre reported that the organization said in a briefing ahead of International Youth Day, observed annually on Aug. 12, that more than 80% of young people aged 15 to 24 worldwide currently use the internet, while in low-income countries, the proportion of young internet users is nearly twice that of the rest of the population.
The UN said this generation often faces risks threatening information integrity, including misinformation, harassment, algorithmic bias, and malicious use of artificial intelligence, calling on member states, technology companies, advertisers, media outlets, and researchers to prioritize protection and participation.
The organization said online harms facing young people are linked to business models that profit from exploiting attention and personal data, as well as design choices aimed at maximizing engagement and spending.
It noted that children are particularly vulnerable as their habits, identities, and relationships are still developing, adding that such practices normalize commercial surveillance and manipulative designs.
The UN said artificial intelligence is advancing faster than efforts to address its rapid spread, increasing risks ranging from AI-generated content to AI-enabled exploitation.
The organization stressed that children and young people are not only potential victims but also content creators, advocates, and organizers. It noted that while online platforms enable youth movements to mobilize and participate in public debate, they also expose organizers, including young women, minorities, and activists, to harassment and surveillance.
The UN emphasized that young people’s perspectives must be included in research and policymaking related to information integrity.
Charlotte Scaddan, Senior Adviser on Information Integrity at the United Nations, said: “Children and young people are among those most affected by the current information crisis, and among those most capable of helping to solve it. Protecting them and engaging them are not conflicting goals; we must do both.”
The organization warned that the growing spread of artificial intelligence is narrowing the opportunity to integrate children’s rights into AI governance frameworks.
It called for action by member states, technology companies, advertisers, media organizations, and researchers to strengthen child protection, improve online safety, and address research gaps, including in countries of the Global South.
The UN said Secretary-General António Guterres last month called for launching a pledge on child safety in artificial intelligence, comparing emerging AI technologies to untested medicines and urging stronger oversight and regulation.
T.S /M.F
