• Topic

    Civil rights and freedoms

    The digital environment provides unique opportunities for children to realize the right to access to information and freedom of expression. The digital environment can enable children to form their social, religious, cultural, ethnic, sexual and political identities and to participate in associated communities and in public spaces for deliberation, cultural exchange, social cohesion and diversity.

    The fulfilment of these rights must be ensured and the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience and religion in the digital environment must be respected. Privacy is vital to children’s agency, dignity and safety and for the exercise of their rights.

    Children’s personal data are processed to offer educational, health and other benefits to them. Therefore, it must be ensured by legislative, administrative and other measures that children’s privacy is respected and protected by all organizations and in all environments that process their data.

    By use of digital identification systems that enable all newborn children to have their birth registered and officially recognized by the national authorities, access to services, including health, education and welfare shall be facilitated.

Current News

(c) IGF 2026

IGF 2026: Call for thematic input

From now until February 28, 2026, 23:59 (UTC), it is possible to submit thematic contributions that are to be given priority consideration at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2026. Organisations and individuals can use a form to select topics that they feel are currently relevant to internet governance.

Joint Statement on Artificial Intelligence and the Rights of the Child

The document confirms the shared commitment to fostering an approach to artificial intelligence based on children's rights and calls for coordinated action to ensure that AI is designed, developed and governed in a way that respects, protects and fulfils the rights of the child. In addition to the United Nations organisations, the statement is also supported by more than 50 organisations, including the Digital Opportunities Foundation.

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Artificial intelligence to advance children's rights

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), UNICEF, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), UNESCO, UNICRI, UNODA, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Representatives of the United Nations Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and on Violence against Children, and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children issued the Joint Statement on Artificial Intelligence and the Rights of the Child in Geneva on 19 January 2026.

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Call for applications: Microsoft is looking for young people for the AI Futures Youth Council

With the opportunity to get involved in the development of AI products and policies, Microsoft is reaching out to young people between the ages of 13 and 17. The goal is to establish a youth council (AI Futures Youth Council) consisting of 20 members.

A Strong Committment to Children’s Rights in the Digital Space

On Wednesday, Dec. 17th, 2025 the United Nations General Assembly have agreed on the Outcome Document of the WSIS +20 Review and established a permanent mandate for the Internet Governance Forum.

Statement on the rights of children in the digital environment

The written statement on children's rights in the digital environment is available for download in English below. The contribution was written as part of the WSIS+20 review process.

Ansicht: EuroDIG 2025: Aufruf zur Programmgestaltung

Preparation for EuroDIG has launched

Preparations for the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) 2026 have begun. Proposals for the thematic structure of the programme can be submitted until 31 December 2025.

Shaping the digital future in line with human rights

The ICANN community will meet in Dublin, Ireland, from 25 to 30 October to hold its annual general meeting. The conference will focus on the further development of policies and processes by the ICANN community.

Personal Integrity: Thinking beyond the protection of minors

On 10 September, the Internet Governance Forum Germany (IGF-D) met in Berlin to discuss current issues and developments in the governance and regulation of the internet. Under this year's motto, ‘Trust, Responsibility, Networking: Internet Governance in Uncertain Times,’ representatives from the fields of politics, business, technology, civil society, science and research, as well as youth, met in their national structure (NRI)to reflect on relevant aspects from a German perspective.

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An open letter to the European Commission: Strengthening Children's Rights in the Digital Sphere

18 organizations and experts, including members of the European Parliament (MEP) and the EP Intergroup on Children's Rights, have jointly addressed an open letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on the occasion of the State of Union speech. In the letter, they call for a renewal and strengthening of the commitment to protecting and enforcing children's rights through the effective implementation of EU regulations in the digital sphere by the European Commission.