In an open letter, over 100 organisations and individuals appeal to decision-makers at European level to effectively address the protection of children and the fight against sexual abuse in the digital environment. The signatories urge Members of the European Parliament and Members of the European Council to ‘put children's online safety first and adopt effective, robust legislation to effectively combat sexualised violence against children and sexual exploitation across Europe.’

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.

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.

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.

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.