Digital Security | Child Protection | Age Consent In a watershed decision likely to redefine the boundaries of online free speech, the United States Supreme Court today upheld a Texas law requiring age verification for access to pornographic websites, ruling in Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton that the state’s
Tag: child protection
The Urgent Need for Child Protection Laws to Prevent Dangerous Work
Every child deserves a childhood free from exploitation, danger, and hardship. However, around the world, millions of children are still subjected to hazardous and exploitative work that robs them of their innocence and the opportunity to thrive. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that approximately 160 million children are engaged
The TAKE IT DOWN Act: A Landmark in Combatting Digital Exploitation
On May 19, 2025, the United States took a historic step toward addressing the pervasive and escalating threat of digital sexual exploitation with the signing of the TAKE IT DOWN Act. Prompted by an alarming rise in non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) and AI-generated deepfakes, the legislation signals a bold move
The 764 Terror Network – A Call for Urgent Reform in Child Protection and Cybercrime Law
Introduction: A Dark Web of Exploitation In a chilling revelation, the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI have exposed a shadowy, online-based organization known as 764—a decentralized terror network targeting children globally. With more than 250 active FBI investigations underway across all 55 field offices, and coordinated law enforcement responses
AI for Kids? The Legal, Ethical, and Societal Risks of Introducing AI Chatbots to Children
In an ambitious expansion of AI services, Google has announced that its Gemini AI chatbot will soon be accessible to children under 13 via monitored Android devices through its Family Link system. While positioned as an educational tool, this development raises serious legal, ethical, and societal concerns. Should artificial intelligence
The Rise of Child Labor: Legal Challenges and Economic Impact on a Global Scale
Despite significant progress in the past century in eradicating exploitative child labor practices, the issue remains an uncomfortable reality in many parts of the world. In recent years, incidents of child labor have been on the rise, with some countries even softening regulations to make it easier for minors to
Establishing Legal Protections for Girls: Sierra Leone’s Landmark Child Marriage Ban
In a historic move for children’s rights, Sierra Leone’s parliament has passed a landmark law banning child marriage, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to protect young girls from harmful practices. This new legislation, hailed by child protection campaigners and human rights organizations, makes it illegal for anyone under
Breaking the Chains: The Urgent Need for Global Laws to Eradicate Child Labor
Child labor remains one of the most pressing human rights challenges of our time, impacting millions of children across the globe. Despite significant progress over the past few decades, the exploitation of children in various industries persists, undermining their right to education, health, and a better future. While many countries