Youth IGF at IGF 2024

This session explored one of the most pressing challenges of our time: protecting young people online while safeguarding their rights and freedoms. With the European Union’s Digital Services Act and the priorities outlined in EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Henna Virkkunen’s mission letter, dedicated to advancing digital and governance policies, this discussion took on critical importance. Drawing on insights from recent legislative developments in Australia and ongoing discussions in Canada, we examined how regulation can address issues like cyberbullying, mental health impacts, and platform accountability.

The Open Forum focused on the pressing issue of protecting young people online while ensuring their rights and freedoms. Central to the discussion was the European Union’s Digital Services Act, alongside insights from legislative efforts in Australia and Canada. Key concerns included tackling cyberbullying, mitigating mental health impacts, and enhancing platform accountability. The forum emphasized the importance of creating youth-friendly regulations that strike a balance between protection and fostering innovation.

A significant topic was the role of AI in regulating harmful content and ensuring platforms implement effective safeguards. Age verification emerged as a crucial issue, particularly for shielding minors from inappropriate content like pornography, while addressing privacy implications. Cases involving platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram highlighted deficiencies in existing systems and underscored the need for stronger protections against harmful content, including deepfakes and cyberbullying.

The forum stressed the importance of international cooperation, drawing from examples like Canada’s Online Harms Act and Australia’s regulatory models. The Digital Services Act was viewed as pivotal in ensuring platforms respect users’ rights while addressing harmful content. Ultimately, participants called for balanced and privacy-conscious regulations that protect young people without denying them access to the positive opportunities of the internet, preserving both their safety and digital freedoms.

Stay connected with the latest updates from the United Nations Internet Governance Forum, IGF 2024. This daily briefing series brings you highlights, key discussions, and expert insights from one of the world's leading platforms for dialogue on internet governance. Explore critical topics such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and policy innovations shaping our digital future. Special attention is given to pivotal discussions on the future of the IGF itself and the WSIS+20 review process, examining the evolving landscape of global internet governance. Perfect for policymakers, tech enthusiasts, and global citizens alike, this podcast ensures you never miss a moment from the heart of IGF 2024.

In this special episode, Brendan Dowling, Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology shares insights from IGF 2024 in Riyadh. He discusses the importance of the multi-stakeholder model in internet governance and Australia’s commitment to engaging private sector, civil society, and technical communities. Ambassador Donning highlights initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance cybersecurity and digital connectivity, as well as Australia’s approach to online safety for children under 16. Hosted by Yuliya Morenets, this episode explores key challenges and opportunities in building a safer, more connected digital world.
🎧 Tune in to learn more about Australia’s leadership in cyber governance.

In this special edition from Day 1 at IGF 2024 in Riyadh, we explore youth engagement, digital transformation, and internet governance. Martin Yesa, an Argentinian national deputy, shares his experiences as a young mayor and calls for global action on emerging technologies like quantum computing. Sebastian Blum and Mathea Essinger, from Germany discuss AI governance, public sector digitization, platform regulation, and the role of DAOs in innovation. Together, they highlight the need for agile institutions to keep pace with rapid technological change.
Join us for a dynamic discussion on shaping the digital future.

Recorded on Day 2 at IGF 2024 in Riyadh, the discussion explores internet governance as a driver for Africa’s development, focusing on AI, gender equality, and infrastructure. Daniel Molokele emphasizes the importance of internet governance for Africa's development. Jaewon Son addresses the digital divide and the importance of technology transfer from the global north to the south. Together, they emphasize cooperation, ethical AI use, and the pivotal role of youth in shaping internet policies.
Actionable insights include fostering technology and skills exchange, expanding South Korea’s development efforts in Africa, and establishing ethical guidelines for emerging technologies.

In this episode recorded on Day 4 at IGF 2024 in Riyadh, Wouter Kobes from the Dutch Delegation to the IGF and Tania-Maria Skrapaliori, for IGF Greece share their insights on emerging technologies and internet governance. Wouter highlights the need for cybersecurity standardization and tools like dot.nl, while Tania emphasizes the role of NRIs in connecting local and global digital governance efforts. Together, they reflect on impactful sessions addressing human rights, cybercrime, and the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in tackling today’s digital challenges.

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