(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.

YOUthDIG 2026 – Call for applications!

Young people with an interest in digital issues are sought for YOUthDIG, which will take place in Brussels from May 23 to 27. In preliminary webinars, participants will address practical issues of internet governance and provide input for EuroDIG.

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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.

Ansicht: 20. November 2017: Heute ist Internationaler Tag der Kinderrechte

Children should be at least 16 to access social media, say MEPs

On Wednesday, MEPs adopted a non-legislative report by 483 votes in favour, 92 against and with 86 abstentions, expressing deep concern over the physical and mental health risks minors face online and calling for stronger protection against the manipulative strategies that can increase addiction and that are detrimental to children’s ability to concentrate and engage healthily with online content.

EU Kids Online Study: Tech & Teens

The Interdisciplinary Research Team on Internet and Society (IRTIS) conducted 15 scientifically based studies over a period of six years. The research focused on the effects of digital technologies on the well-being of young people.

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.

Eurochild Position Paper: Protecting children online without silencing them

The article highlights the most important arguments and summarizes the key policy demands of the Eurochild position paper “Protecting children online without silencing them.”

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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We need to talk – with the children! New approaches to regulation in youth media protection

On the second and third days of TrustCon, the focus was on procedures for assessing the impact on children's rights (Child Rights Impact Assessment) and regulatory sandboxes.

It’s all about Children!

We are the new kids on the block taking part for the first time in TrustCon, an international conference on trust and safety in the digital world. And we are excited how prominently children’s best interest in the digital environment features among this highly technology oriented crowd.

The Future of Multistakeholderism, what role do Children’s rights play in this regard?

The final day of the IGF 2025 was all about multistakeholderism. As the IGF is the only global platform that enables individuals and organisations from around the world to raise issues related to the internet, it is praised for its lively discussions, which are informed by the participants expertise. However, it is also criticised for failing to deliver tangible outcomes and results.

Stand up for children's rights and a better and fairer future!

Children's rights took center stage in the Plenary Hall of the Internet Governance Forum today. Further details are provided on the following sessions: "Securing Child Safety in the Age of Algorithms" and "Elevating Children's Voices in AI Design".

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