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COP Industry Connect

Quarterly Cross-Sector Dialogues on Child Online Protection



ABOUT THE SERIES​


ITU Industry Connect is a quarterly online dialogue series bringing together key players from across sectors to tackle emerging challenges in Child Online Protection (COP). Each session is designed as a dynamic, solution-oriented exchange, fostering collaboration between policymakers, technology leaders, civil society, academia, and international organizations.
Through 2-hour virtual discussions, the series aims to build collective strategies, share insights and good practices, and promote a safer digital world for children.


OBJECTIVES​


·      Foster cross-sectoral dialogue on the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in COP.
·      Facilitate direct engagement between policymakers and industry leaders on current and emerging trends.
·      Encourage the sharing of innovative practices and approaches from across the digital ecosystem.
·      Identify actionable solutions to support global and local efforts in protecting children online.
·      Leverage ITU’s role as a neutral convener to promote inclusive, multi-stakeholder collaboration.


FORMAT


Frequency: Four sessions in 2025:
  • 5 June 
  • 17 July 
  • 17 September 
  • 17 December

Duration: 2 hours per session

Structure
  • 15 minutes – Expert scene-setting
  • 45 minutes – Industry presentations
  • 60 minutes – Interactive multi-stakeholder dialogue

Location
Online (details shared upon registration)


2025 SERIES AGENDA

  • Session 1AI & Emerging Technologies: Prioritizing Children’s Rights and Safety (5 June)
  • Session 2Social Media & Child Protection: Addressing Risks, Responsibility, and Resilience (17 July). 
  • Session 3Gaming & Online Safety: Creating Safe and Inclusive Virtual Playgrounds (the event on 17 September is rescheduled to 30th October, and will be online and in person hybrid format. )
  • Session 4 Streaming & EdTech Platforms: Ensuring Age-Appropriate Digital Learning and Entertainment (17 December)


UPCOMING SESSION

Social Media & Child Protection: Addressing Risks, Responsibility, and Resilience   
 

Date: 17 July 2025 
Time: 14:00–16:00 (CET) 
Location: Online 

This session will explore how social media platforms can both pose risks and create opportunities for child online protection. Key themes will include: 
  • Addressing exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and online grooming ​
  • Leveraging social media as a channel for help-seeking and support 
  • Advancing rights-based and child-centered approaches to platform governance 

Agenda: 
  • Opening & Scene-Setting (15 min) 
  • UN and expert speakers outline how children’s rights are affected and at the same time can be strengthened on social media. 
  • Industry Showcases (45 min) 
  • Leading tech companies share insights on current trends and platform interventions to address risks and promote safe access to protection for children online.  
  • Interactive Dialogue (60 min) 
  • Participants will explore two core topics: 
    • Risks on Social Media — From Peer-to-Peer Violence to Harmful Interactions   
    • Opportunities for Support — Enabling Children’s Access to Protection through Social Media
Registration