New digital alliance aims to share approaches to protecting children online

A statement establishing an international alliance for children’s digital safety was signed at the Global Digital Forum. The Russian alliance said the new group held its first meeting on October 9.

The initiative seeks ongoing cooperation among public authorities, businesses, researchers and civil society organizations. Participants plan to study online threats to children and assess the effectiveness of measures used in different countries. Risks associated with the development of artificial intelligence are among its priorities.

The first meeting included representatives of public authorities from Abkhazia, Nicaragua, Russia, South Ossetia and the Central African Republic, alongside nongovernmental organizations from Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Organizers also reported support from Tanzania and Bangladesh.

Elizaveta Belyakova, chair of the Russian alliance, said it was ready to share experience and projects developed over five years. She said cooperation should help bring Russian initiatives into international practice and enable successful approaches from other countries to be used in Russia.

Practical work will also address digital literacy among children, parents and teachers. A shared platform is planned to provide research, expert materials and contact details for members.

Deputy Digital Development Minister Bella Cherkesova said new technologies expand educational opportunities while creating similar safety challenges across countries. Sarmat Bitiev, head of South Ossetia’s communications and mass media committee, linked its support for the initiative to the shared nature of digital threats.

The group is described as an independent, voluntary association open to public authorities, companies, researchers, nongovernmental organizations and relevant international bodies. Participants set priorities at their first meeting, including exchanging national practices.