Global organizations demand stricter digital safety regulations for minors

More than 300 organizations have launched a campaign to advocate for laws that regulate digital environments and hold technology companies accountable for protecting children and adolescents. The initiative, which includes the Latin American Observatory of Regulation, Media and Convergence (Observacom), seeks to implement sanctions against platforms that violate minors' rights.

Key proposals include designing platforms to prevent addiction—addressing issues like infinite scroll and constant notifications—and implementing effective age verification. Experts warn that current algorithmic designs can create information bubbles that expose children to inappropriate content, such as pornography, gambling, or harmful behaviors, while fostering anxiety and dependency.

The 5Rights Foundation, a global organization, emphasizes the need for safety and privacy to be integrated into digital devices by default. The foundation has previously influenced policy changes, such as the EU's Digital Services Act, and has successfully pressured major companies like Meta, Google, and YouTube to implement safety features.