Towards a safer, more private and secure internet for children in online platforms

As one in three online users in the world are children, the need for the EU to build a safe, secure and private online experience for them is urgent. Children should be able to enjoy the benefits of the internet, build communities and express themselves. However, some online platforms have exposed them to a series of risks. With deceptive and manipulative practices, addictive design features and engagement-based recommender systems being the norm, children cannot enjoy the online world without harm or risk. The forthcoming European Commission guidelines to assist online platform providers to comply with their obligation to ensure a high level of privacy, safety, and security for minors, as required by Article 28(1) of the Digital Services Act (DSA), present a unique opportunity to ensure a safer, more secure and private internet for the most vulnerable of consumers.