New York, Aug. 10 (Petra) — The United Nations on Monday called for
urgent action to protect children from online risks, noting that over
80 percent of people aged 15 to 24 worldwide now use the internet.

In a brief published ahead of International Youth Day, the U.N.
warned that this highly connected generation often bears the brunt of
information safety hazards, including misinformation, harassment,
algorithmic bias, and the malicious use of artificial intelligence.
It urged member states, technology companies, advertisers, media
outlets, and researchers to prioritize protection and participation
to mitigate the harms caused by these threats.

The brief explains that the risks young people face online stem from
business models designed to monetize attention and personal data,
coupled with interface design choices meant to maximize engagement
and spending.

From algorithms designed to keep young users continuously engaged to
“dark patterns,” loot boxes, and other tactics that encourage
compulsive behavior, the report warns that children whose habits,
identities, and relationships are still forming are uniquely
vulnerable.

The U.N. added that artificial intelligence is advancing faster than
efforts to regulate its rapid spread, heightening risks ranging from
AI-generated content to AI-facilitated exploitation.

The brief also highlights increasingly covert advertising techniques
used to target children and boost online spending, noting that these
combined practices normalize widespread commercial surveillance and
manipulative design during a developmental stage when young people
are most susceptible to influence.

However, the U.N. stressed that youth are far more than potential
victims. They are content creators, advocates, and community leaders
actively reshaping civic life, with young journalists and digital
creators making significant contributions to public debate.

//Petra// AF