Responsible Data for Children

Youth Voices

Note: The views and ideas shared in this article come directly from the inspiring young leaders who contributed to the campaign as part of the Responsible Data for Children (RD4C) initiative. These voices reflect the unique perspectives of youth from diverse backgrounds and regions. While RD4C provided light editorial support to enhance readability, the content remains entirely theirs—authored by young people for young people. Their insights are independent and do not necessarily represent official positions or endorsements by UNICEF or The GovLab.   For youth to have agency in building our future, we need to be consulted with in the present. It has been widely established that technology evolves rapidly and data is crucial to our society. Whether you sign up to a social media platform, or are simply browsing online, your data is collected and exploited and very often to your detriment. Adult users may be fine with this automatic data grab, but more attention should be paid to data collection and processing for minors, including our perspectives and views on how our data is handled and on how policies are crafted. Indeed, it is concerning how often the voices of young people—the very demographic most impacted by these changes—are ignored in the conversations that determine our future. Despite the fact that data policies today will determine the future of privacy, safety, and access in the digital age, young people are frequently excluded from the policy-making process.  In my opinion, there are three main barriers that prevent young people from contributing their perspectives and views about the digital world and specifically data policies: (1) the reluctance of tech companies to listen to criticism and make effective change that weakens their bottom lines; (2) the fact that technological advancements are outpacing legislative guidelines; (3) the frantic push by headline-searching politicians for drastic measures such as phone or social media bans, without any youth consultation whatsoever. Children and young people must be earnestly consulted regarding online data policies that affect us in unprecedented ways.   I would like to place emphasis on the phrase ‘earnest consultation’ because many companies promote initiatives like youth boards or advisory panels, however, many of those youth initiatives serve more as PR stunts than platforms for real influence. The recommendations made by young people are rarely integrated and reflected in actual policy or product changes.  This tokenism is not only disheartening but it is also a missed opportunity to harness the insights of those who are most familiar and most affected by the digital world. Young people are not just passive consumers of technology; we are savvy, creative, and deeply aware of the impacts of digital policy on our lives. To truly involve youth, tech companies must move beyond superficial engagements and focus groups, beyond one-page campaigns and photo shoots, beyond lip service and disingenuous surveys, tech companies must provide youth with formal authority and decision-making power within the organizations.  This engagement could take the form of elected youth representatives who are not just consulted but given the ability to shape policy, product design, and ethical guidelines, similarly to Members of Youth Parliament, for instance. And again, these are just my suggestions as a European teen. Teens from North & South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and beyond may have even more impactful suggestions. Teens that are neurodiverse, face physical challenges, or are otherwise ‘different’ may have their own suggestions as well, but we will not know if those diverse youth are not consulted.   Laws that govern digital spaces, such as the Online Safety Act (OSA) or the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), are often outdated almost as soon as they are enacted, and, ironically, then take even longer to update. Such legislation is problematic when it comes to the rights of children and young people online, which, some argue, politicians use as leverage to attempt to censor content they disagree with. While such legislation is indicative of progress, it is insufficient on its own. Technology will continue to evolve, and legislation must always be adaptive and inclusive of youth perspectives.  Young people should be involved in the legislative process not just as consultees in a hastily organized focus group but as co-creators of these laws. We can ensure that laws remain relevant and responsive to the needs and realities of young people. All young people. Young people who have had their information leaked in instances of “doxxing.” Young people who have had their intimate images leaked. Young people who have had their information leaked in a data breach. Young people who are underrepresented and do not have a voice.  The tendency of politicians to push for outright bans on emerging technologies without consulting those who will be most affected is yet another barrier to meaningful youth participation. It is easy for politicians to call for bans—on social media platforms, on certain types of content, on new technologies like AI—without even considering the implications. However, these decisions are rarely informed by the perspectives of young people, and can often make matters worse. We’ve seen cases of children and young people committing suicide after the taking of their phone because of a loss trigger. In one case, a young woman wrote a suicide note that read “You shouldn’t have taken my phone away.” In such instances, bans are not the most proactive solution. Instead of opting for polarizing measures, policymakers should first consult with the youth to understand their experiences and needs.  Let’s take for instance, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which requires age verification to ensure that children under 13 are not subjected to data collection or harmful content. This act may be helpful in combating some data collection, and protecting younger users but it doesn’t explicitly attack the root cause of the issue: extensive data collection. Young people lie about their age online to get access to a service, and such legislation may no longer serve them because they are now considered an adult by the service collecting their data. Regardless of whether the user was an adult or a child, extensive data collection is unacceptable, especially when it is used for profit (the only driver of most tech companies), or to produce (or attempt to produce) certain outcomes, such as during the infamous Facebook–Cambridge Analytica Scandal.    Data is our most precious asset when we are online, but often, we are powerless, victims to the companies and advertisers scraping our data and selling it to the highest bidder. Young people need to actively participate in shaping the data policies that will govern our futures. We must recognize young people as equal partners in the policy-making process. Children and young people must not only have a seat at the table but they must also be empowered and earnestly consulted when it comes to policies that shape our digital lives. Calling us to the table, when the meal has been decided, served and sometimes even cleared away, does a disservice to all those at the table. (Photo by Kane Reinholdtsen / Unsplash is licensed under CC0)   About the Author Maximilian Milovidov is a teen online safety advocate. He is an Ambassador to the Children’s Commissioner for England, a former Youth Board Member for Childnet and Youth Ambassador for the Diana Award. Fluent in French, English, Russian, and Spanish, he serves as a Youth Ambassador for the 5Rights Foundation, People vs Big Tech and as a Youth Advisor for Digitalem. Maximilian has been featured on ITV News, Sky News, and the Wall Street Journal. His interests lie in cyberpsychology, human nature, and technology.

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Read in English La niñez, adolescencia y juventud de diversas regiones del mundo, presentes en el V Foro Mundial de Datos en Medellín, Colombia, elevamos nuestras voces en un momento histórico. Por primera vez en un foro de datos de Naciones Unidas, nuestras perspectivas son escuchadas, rompiendo la creencia de que estos temas no nos conciernen. En un mundo cada vez más hiperconectado, como le hemos denominado, nuestros datos representan una parte fundamental de nuestra identidad y seguridad, así nosotros demandamos los principios de equidad, transparencia y protección de la privacidad. En ese sentido, como parte del Compromiso con la Gobernanza de Datos Adecuada para la Niñez, declaramos que: 1. Representatividad diversa en espacios de participación del foro, con tomadores de decisiones  La representación de la niñez, adolescencia y juventud en los próximos encuentros debe demostrar la diversidad étnica y social existente en los territorios, se necesita la perspectiva de los más pequeños con su capacidad de soñar, de los y las adolescentes que han crecido con el avance de las redes sociales y las visiones de quienes han presenciado la llegada de las tecnologías. En dicha participación, se hace necesaria la presencia de los sectores relegados de la niñez, adolescencia y juventud, quienes debido a la falta de recursos no han sido tomados en cuenta históricamente. Debido a esto solicitamos la presencia de distintas perspectivas de los territorios que reflejen y comuniquen sus necesidades, así como sus iniciativas, ideas y propuestas. 2. Proponemos la creación de observatorios territoriales de datos que integren una gobernanza protectora con uso responsable de la información para la recolección, uso y acción de datos de manera equitativa  Los niños, niñas, adolescentes y jóvenes tienen derecho a acceder a información de diversas fuentes nacionales e internacionales. Por ello, proponemos la creación de un observatorio territorial de datos en cada país que sirva como un punto de entrada y una plataforma para empoderar las voces de niños, niñas y jóvenes como parte de los ecosistemas de datos nacionales y regionales.. Además, debe asegurar el acceso a datos desagregados que reflejen de manera precisa las realidades y necesidades de cada territorio y de sus niñas y niños, para asegurar que todas las niñas y los niños sean visibles en los datos, que sus derechos puedan ser protegidos y que sus necesidades puedan ser atendidas.. Estos observatorios deben ser  respaldados por una gobernanza de datos sólida, que priorice la protección de los derechos de la niñez, adolescencia y juventud, promoviendo un entorno digital seguro y libre de riesgos, como lo pueden ser los socioemocionales y daños ambientales en la recolección y procesamiento de datos, estableciendo la red de comunicación global con tomadores de decisiones, reconociendo la importancia del multiperspectivismo. 3. Promovemos el acceso y regulaciones para la protección de nuestros derechos. Solicitamos políticas públicas de datos centradas en la niñez, adolescencia y juventud. Que las empresas y plataformas presenten datos de manera clara y accesible para todos/as. Exigimos regulaciones que protejan la privacidad y seguridad en línea  y fomenten tecnologías seguras que prioricen nuestros derechos, minimizando los efectos negativos como la exposición a contenidos inapropiados, la ciberseguridad, y la manipulación de datos personales por sistemas de inteligencia artificial. 4. Solicitamos espacios de concientización sobre las plataformas digitales y redes sociales más allá de los foros de datos. Defendemos y solicitamos la creación de espacios públicos y accesibles para las distintas zonas del país, de aprendizaje, concientización, incidencia y participación sobre los riesgos asociados al uso de plataformas digitales, que vayan más allá de eventos cerrados, para que así la niñez, adolescencia y juventud sepa comprender y enfrentar los desafíos de la era digital a través de los datos. Hoy decimos que ya no somos simplemente una cifra en las estadísticas, sino agentes de cambio que han descifrado cómo trabajar y aportar en estos espacios. Nos tomamos los datos como una herramienta de transformación, abriendo camino para que nuestras voces y acciones tengan un impacto real en la construcción de un presente más justo y equitativo.  Hacemos un llamado a los organizadores del próximo Foro Mundial de Datos para que este compromiso se traduzca en hechos. Exigimos la conformación de una delegación juvenil diversa, inclusiva, con presencia activa con voz y voto en los espacios representativos que permitan la participación de jóvenes de todo el mundo y donde todos cuentan y son contados. Ahora es su turno, tomadores de decisiones, de escucharnos y actuar, ¡hemos llegado al foro mundial de datos para transformar su perspectiva y marcar la diferencia!   Esta discusión es presentada por el Compromiso con la Gobernanza de Datos Adecuada para la Niñez, una iniciativa pionera liderada por UNICEF que une a un grupo diverso de organizaciones y líderes juveniles, comprometidos con garantizar que los derechos de las personas jóvenes sean una prioridad en el mundo de datos y la inteligencia artificial en constante evolución.   Este compromiso reúne a:   Representantes juveniles: del Equipo de Acción Juvenil de Generation Unlimited, los Defensores de los Valores de los Datos de la Alianza Global para los Datos de Desarrollo Sostenible, los Jóvenes Líderes para los ODS de la Oficina del Enviado de Juventud del Secretario General de la ONU, la Red Nacional de Participación Adolescentes en Movimiento por sus Derechos de UNICEF Colombia, y los grupos juveniles apoyados porUNFPA Colombia - para amplificar las perspectivas juveniles y co-crear soluciones para el cambio positivo.   El Programa de Gobernanza de Datos Adecuada para la Niñez de UNICEF: para abogar por programas, políticas y sistemas fundamentados en los derechos de la niñez y la juventud.   DevelopMetrics: para integrar inteligencia artificial ética, aprendizaje automático supervisado y modelos de lenguaje de gran escala afinados en colaboración con jóvenes desde las primeras etapas del desarrollo de la IA.   Highway Child: para garantizar que las voces de los niños sean representadas de manera auténtica y que la información que comparten a través de contenidos creativos esté protegida.   Early Childhood Authority of Abu Dhabi: para promover sistemas de IA gubernamentales responsables que prioricen el bienestar infantil y ofrezcan una perspectiva basada en datos para la toma de decisiones.   The GovLab: para empoderar a los niños y asegurar que los datos y la tecnología se utilicen para tomar decisiones más efectivas, equitativas y legítimas que resuelvan problemas públicos.   The Datasphere Initiative: para empoderar a comunidades juveniles diversas equipándolas con conocimientos y herramientas que amplíen su participación en debates sobre gobernanza de datos y políticas de IA.   The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data: para amplificar las voces juveniles y empoderar a los jóvenes a participar de manera significativa en la gobernanza de datos, fortaleciendo su capacidad de liderar colaboraciones multisectoriales con impacto.  

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Leer en español We, the children, adolescents, and youth from diverse regions of the world, present at the 5th United Nations World Data Forum in Medellín, Colombia, raise our voices at a historic moment. For the first time at a UN data forum, our perspectives are being heard, breaking the misconception that these issues do not concern us. In an increasingly hyperconnected world, as we call it, our data represents a fundamental part of our identity and security. Thus, we demand principles of equity, transparency, and privacy protection.   In this regard, as part of the Commitment to Data Governance Fit for Children, we declare:  1. Diverse Representation in Forum Participation Spaces with Decision-Makers   Child, adolescent and youth representation at future forums must reflect the ethnic and social diversity of the territories. It is essential to include the perspectives of the youngest, with their capacity to dream; adolescents, who have grown alongside the rise of social media; and those who have witnessed the arrival of new technologies. Such participation requires the inclusion of marginalised groupsof children, adolescents, and youth, who have historically been overlooked due to a lack of resources.. Therefore, we call for perspectives from various territories to be included, ensuring that their specific needs are heard and addressed.   2. Proposal for Territorial Data Observatories with Protective Governance and Responsible Use for Equitable Data Collection, Use, and Action Children, adolescents and youth have the right to access information from diverse national and international sources. Hence, we propose establishing a territorial data observatory in each country  to serve as an entry point and to empower child and youth voices as part of country and regional data ecosystems. These observatories should be designed to collect information, ensure accessibility, and foster inclusive participation spaces for children. They should also provide access to disaggregated data that accurately reflects the realities and needs of each territory and their children to ensure that all children are visible in data, that their rights can be protected and their needs can be served. These observatories must be supported by robust data governance frameworks prioritising children’s rights and promoting a secure digital environment free from risks, including socio-emotional harm and environmental damage associated with data collection and processing. Additionally, these observatories should establish global communication networks with decision-makers, recognising the importance of multiperspectivism.  3. Promoting Access and Regulations to Protect Our Rights in Rural and Decentralised Areas   We demand child-, adolescent-, and youth-centred public data policies that facilitate data access in rural and unconnected areas. Companies and platforms must present data in a clear and accessible manner for all. We call for regulations to protect privacy and online security while fostering safe technologies that prioritise our rights, minimising negative effects such as exposure to inappropriate content, cybersecurity threats, and the misuse of personal data by artificial intelligence systems.  4. Request for Awareness Spaces on Digital Platforms and Social Media Beyond Data Forums We advocate for and request the creation of public, accessible spaces in different regions of each country for learning, awareness, advocacy, and participation regarding the risks associated with using digital platforms. These spaces must extend beyond closed events so that children, adolescents, and youth can understand and tackle the challenges of the digital age through data.   Today, we declare that we are no longer just figures in statistics but agents of change who have figured how to work and contribute within these spaces. We view data as a tool for transformation, paving the way for our voices and actions to have a real impact on building a fairer and more equitable present where all children count and are counted..   We call on the organisers of the next World Data Forum to translate this commitment into action. We demand the establishment of a diverse, inclusive youth delegation with an active voice and voting power in representative spaces, enabling the participation of young people from around the world.   Now it is your turn, decision-makers, to listen and act. We have come to the World Data Forum to transform perspectives and make a difference!   This discussion is brought by the Commitment to Data Governance Fit for Children, a pioneering initiative spearheaded by UNICEF that unites a diverse group of organisations and young leaders, committed to ensuring that young people’s rights are prioritised in the rapidly evolving world of data and AI. This commitment brings together: Youth representatives ‒ from Generation Unlimited's Young People’s Action Team, Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data’s Data Values Advocates, Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Envoy’s Young Leaders for the SDGs, UNICEF Colombia’s Red Nacional de Participación Adolescentes en Movimiento por sus Derechos, youth groups supported by UNFPA Colombia ‒ to amplify youth perspectives and co-create solutions for positive change. UNICEF’s Data Governance Fit for Children Programme to advocate for programmes, policies and systems that are grounded in child and youth rights. DevelopMetrics to integrate ethical AI, supervised machine learning, and fine-tuned large language models in collaboration with youth at the onset of AI development.  Highway Child to ensure that children’s voices are authentically represented and that the information they share through in creative content is safeguarded. Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority to promote responsible government AI systems that prioritise child wellbeing needs and provide a data driven perspective to decision making. The GovLab to empower children by ensuring data and technology are used to make more effective, equitable, and legitimate decisions that solve public problems. The Datasphere Initiative to empower diverse youth communities by equipping them with knowledge and tools to amplify their participation in data governance and AI policy discussions. The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data to amplify youth voices and empower young people to engage meaningfully in data governance, strengthening their ability to lead impactful, multi-stakeholder collaborations.

Event

The countdown to the UN World Data Forum is on! From 12 to 15 November 2024, we’ll be showcasing our groundbreaking commitment: Data Governance Fit for Children (DG4C). As we approach this pivotal moment, we’re excited to share that our initiative is growing even stronger, with more youth organisations joining the effort. The Commitment to DG4C continues to work for children, with children, driving home the message that child-centred data governance is not just a vision—it’s an urgent necessity we can tackle together. The UNWDF Commitment to DG4C is a pioneering initiative that unites a diverse group of organisations and young leaders, committed to ensuring that children’s rights are prioritised in the rapidly evolving world of data and AI. This commitment brings together: Youth representatives—from Generation Unlimited's Young People’s Action Team, Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data’s Data Values Advocates, Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Youth Envoy’s Young Leaders for the SDGs, UNICEF Colombia’s Red Nacional de Participación Adolescentes en Movimiento por sus Derechos—to amplify youth perspectives and co-create solutions for positive change. UNICEF’s Data Governance Fit for Children Programme to advocate for programmes, policies and systems that are grounded in child and youth rights. DevelopMetrics to integrate ethical AI, supervised machine learning, and fine-tuned large language models in collaboration with youth at the onset of AI development. Highway Child to ensure that children’s voices are authentically represented and that the information they share through in creative content is safeguarded. Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority to promote responsible government AI systems that prioritise child wellbeing needs and provide a data driven perspective to decision making. The Governance Lab to empower children by ensuring data and technology are used to make more effective, equitable, and legitimate decisions that solve public problems. The Datasphere Initiative to empower diverse youth communities by equipping them with knowledge and tools to amplify their participation in data governance and AI policy discussions. Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data to amplify youth voices and empower young people to engage meaningfully in data governance, strengthening their ability to lead impactful, multi-stakeholder collaborations. Stay tuned as we elevate youth voices and push for responsible data practices that safeguard and uplift children’s rights. For every child, responsible data.