#Singapore #Cybersecurity #DQ Institute #Child Safety

Global Launch of the Child Protection in Cyberspace Index

The unveiling of the Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) Index at the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) is a significant advancement towards ensuring the safety of children online. Announced by key stakeholders including the DQ Institute and the GCF, this initiative aims to create safer digital spaces for children worldwide.

An Innovative Step Forward

Held during the CPC Summit on October 2-3, 2024, the initiative received backing from high-profile organizations including UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This collaborative effort is spearheaded by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing the global commitment to fostering the digital well-being of children.

Dr. Yuhyun Park, founder of the DQ Institute, highlighted that the CPC Index represents a tangible step following the recent United Nations General Assembly's agreement on a pact for the future focused on child protection online. "The CPC Index will be a critical tracking tool to measure global progress towards creating safer online environments for children," she noted.

Analyzing Progress and Setting Standards

The CPC Index will serve as a comprehensive framework for assessing and enhancing the various dimensions of online child safety. Utilizing data from over 100 countries and seven years of research, it combines international benchmarks to outline clear guidelines for monitoring cyber risks and evaluating children's digital citizenship levels.

Key features of the CPC Index include:

• - Global Benchmarks: Synthesizing international standards to provide a clear roadmap for tracking cyber threats.
• - Holistic Analysis: Addressing government policies, educational efforts, family engagement, and tech industry responsibilities.
• - Exemplary Digital Citizenship Programs: Showcasing the best practices globally and offering actionable recommendations for policymakers and educators.

Dr. Park remarked on the importance of this global initiative, calling it a testament to the collaboration between the public and private sectors. The CPC Index aims to unify international standards and provide a roadmap for nations to transition towards a safer digital future.

The Urgent Challenge Ahead

Currently, a staggering 70% of children have faced at least one form of cyber risk. Dr. Park warns that with the rise of artificial intelligence, this number could rise significantly due to new threats, such as deepfake technology and misinformation. To address these challenges, she has called for proactive measures to be implemented promptly, stating, "The goal is to reduce the percentage of children facing risks by at least 15% by 2030."

The CPC Index is designed to guide national policies towards safeguarding the digital lives of future generations. A critical component of this initiative is mandatory digital citizenship education in primary schools, which Dr. Park insists is a key to long-term online safety for children.

About the DQ Institute

The DQ Institute is an international think tank focused on establishing global standards for digital intelligence, aiming to ensure the security, training, and well-being of individuals in the digital era. Known for its DQ framework, it is recognized as the global standard for digital literacy and preparedness. The institute operates as a non-profit organization in both the United States and Singapore.

For further information on the DQ Institute and the CPC Index, visit their website.

Contact:
Eris Seah
DQ Institute
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +65 9396 9200