Press release: Safer Internet Forum 23 November 2017-11-23

Thursday, 23 November marked the 14th edition of the safer internet forum, of which the ICT Coalition was an integral part.

The event kicked off with a keynote speech from Caire Bury, Deputy Director General of DG CONNECT in the European Commission. Ms Bury outlined the importance of the international platform for internet safety, to further explore the potential risks online and how to foster a safer environment for minors online. She also identified the promotion of media literacy, critical thinking, and digital skills among young people as key priorities to be tackled.

Ms Bury’s speech was followed by a panel discussion, with representatives of industry and civil society, as well as youth panellists. ICT Coalition was well represented in the panel, with both Google and Telia Company presenting the pleasing initiatives they have taken in the setting of the Coalition and beyond. Google emphasised the importance of industry self-regulation in making the internet a safer place for minors.

The youth representatives showcased a video that the numerous young panellists from across Europe who were present at the event had collaborated on, to raise awareness of the issues faced by young people online. The video forms part of a social media campaign under the handle #TogetherForRespect, and can be visited here.