UN and regional leaders call for protection of youth against AI and disinformation

The United Nations has issued a call to action to protect children and youth from the growing risks of artificial intelligence and online disinformation. In a note released ahead of International Youth Day, the UN urged member states, tech companies, and media organizations to prioritize the safety of hyperconnected younger generations who are vulnerable to algorithmic biases, online harassment, and the malicious use of AI.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has previously emphasized the need for stricter regulation, stating that children should not serve as “untested medicines” for unregulated AI. The UN highlights that digital harms are often driven by economic models that prioritize data monetization and user engagement through “dark patterns” and compulsive design mechanisms.

In a related regional context, participants at the YouthConnekt Sahel 2026 forum in Niger discussed the impact of digital influence and disinformation on West African youth. Panelists, including UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Smarty, emphasized the need for greater transparency among digital influencers and called for governments and platforms to implement filters against dangerous content. Experts concluded that fostering critical thinking and economic autonomy are essential to protecting youth from online manipulation.