Urgent call for child-centred AI governance
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly woven into classrooms, social platforms, and everyday communications, a coalition of United Nations agencies led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is pressing governments to adopt robust, child-centred AI governance frameworks. The aim is to curb risks to children while preserving the transformative benefits of AI in education, health, and civic life.
Why child-centred rules are vital now
AI technologies are expanding access to information and personalized learning, yet they also expose young users to data privacy concerns, targeted manipulation, and content that may be inappropriate or unsafe. The UN entities argue that without guardrails rooted in child protection, the most vulnerable online citizens could bear the brunt of rapid technological change. The proposed governance framework centers on safeguarding rights, ensuring transparency, and embedding accountability in AI design and deployment.
Key protections proposed
- Privacy by design: systems should minimize data collection about children and provide clear explanations of data usage.
- Age-appropriate design: interfaces and content must align with developmental stages, with safeguards against exposure to harmful material.
- Transparency and explainability: providers should disclose how AI makes decisions that affect young users, along with accessible information about data practices.
- Accountability: operators, developers, and platforms must assume responsibility for harms and implement redress mechanisms for affected children and families.
- Inclusive access: ensure that marginalized communities are not left behind in AI-enabled education and services.
A global, collaborative blueprint
The ITU and its UN partners emphasize that no single country can regulate AI in isolation. They call for a global, multi-stakeholder blueprint that promotes harmonized standards while allowing local adaptation. This includes sharing best practices, building regional capacity, and supporting governments in monitoring and evaluating the impact of AI on children’s safety and well-being.
Education, protection, and digital literacy
Beyond safeguarding, the frame encourages leveraging AI to support learning outcomes and digital literacy. By equipping students with critical thinking tools and safe online habits, governments can turn AI from a risk into a powerful educational ally. Training for educators and parents is highlighted as essential to recognizing misinformation, understanding data practices, and supervising AI-enabled learning tools effectively.
Implementation challenges and opportunities
Policymakers face hurdles including rapid tech evolution, cross-border data flows, and the uneven digital divide. The UN’s stance is to pair binding protections with flexible, technology-agnostic principles that can adapt as AI evolves. Funding, technical expertise, and regional cooperation are identified as critical enablers for turning high-level guidelines into concrete laws, standards, and enforcement mechanisms.
What this means for children and families
For families, child-centred AI governance could translate into more trustworthy platforms, clearer privacy notices, and safer digital experiences. For educators, it offers a framework to evaluate tools, measure impact on learning, and integrate AI responsibly into curricula. In essence, the proposed framework seeks to preserve opportunity while reducing the likelihood of harm, ensuring that young users retain agency in an increasingly automated environment.
Looking ahead
The ITU-led initiative invites national lawmakers to engage in consultations, pilot programs, and capacity-building efforts that put children’s rights at the forefront. While timelines vary by country, the urgency is underscored: as AI reshapes society, governance must keep pace to protect the most vulnerable and maximize the social good.
