New Global and National Tracker for Online Child Safety Launched

Introduction of the CPC Index

In a landmark event at the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), held on October 2-3, 2024, the Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) Index was introduced, heralding a significant milestone in the global efforts to protect children online. This initiative, brought forth by the Global Cybersecurity Forum Institute and the DQ Institute, demonstrates a coordinated effort to create safer digital spaces for children worldwide.

Background of the Initiative

The CPC Index was announced during the CPC Summit, where prominent organizations including the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), UNICEF, and the WeProtect Global Alliance were present. This initiative, spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscores a global commitment to enhancing the digital well-being of children. Dr. Yuhyun Park, founder of the DQ Institute, emphasized the importance of this initiative as a proactive measure following last week's UN General Assembly agreement on the Future Pact 2024, highlighting the significance of child protection in the digital world.

Purpose and Features of the CPC Index

The CPC Index serves as a crucial monitoring and assessment tool designed to track the global progress of the commitment to creating safe digital environments for children. According to Dr. Park, it will provide nations with comprehensive insights into the current state of online safety for children and assist them in developing tailored national strategies to improve their CPC Index performance.

Notably, the CPC Index is built upon seven years of research and data collected from over 100 countries. It offers a complete 360-degree framework to evaluate and enhance child online safety efforts. The key features of the CPC Index include:

1. Global Benchmarks and Insights: It combines international benchmarks to create clear roadmaps for tracking cyber risks and assessing the digital citizenship of children.
2. Comprehensive Analysis: The index covers policies, regulations, educational frameworks, family involvement, and accountability within the tech industry.
3. Top Digital Citizenship Programs: It highlights exemplary global programs that provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and educators.

Global Reach and Implications

Echoing the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors, Dr. Park highlighted that this initiative consolidates international standards and actions to guide countries from current challenges to a safer digital future. Alarmingly, it has been reported that over 70% of children globally have encountered some form of cyber risk. With emerging threats such as AI-generated deep fakes and misinformation, Dr. Park noted the urgency of proactive measures, aiming to lower that figure by at least 15% by 2030.

Dr. Park insists that the CPC Index is pivotal in protecting children in this increasingly AI-driven landscape, asserting that substantial change can be achieved through implementation. Emphasizing the necessity of mandatory digital citizenship education in primary schools, she called for governments to prioritize the early development of digital skills to ensure the long-term online safety of future generations.

About DQ Institute

The DQ Institute is an international think tank focused on establishing global standards for digital intelligence, ensuring safety, empowerment, and well-being for individuals, organizations, and nations in the digital age. Its framework is recognized as a global standard for digital competence and readiness. Furthermore, the DQ Institute operates as a nonprofit organization in both the United States and Singapore, promoting digital pedagogy across various sectors.

For more information, visit the DQ Institute's website: DQ Institute.

Conclusion

The launch of the Child Protection in Cyberspace Index marks a significant advance in the movement to safeguard children online. By integrating global efforts and establishing measurable benchmarks, the CPC initiative aims to create a safe and supportive digital environment for children worldwide, preparing them for a more secure future as digital citizens.