Dear Vice-President Davis,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for your kind introduction.
I am pleased to speak today about how we can jointly improve the safety and well-being of young people online.
As a European Commissioner, after 79 days in office, I have traveled through Europe to speak with citizens, not just about them.
Today, I want to do the same: speak with you, not at you.
Digital technologies are evolving rapidly. Thanks to advances in technology, we live longer and healthier, with five generations living simultaneously. The internet revolution of the early 2000s opened unprecedented access to information. Current leaps in artificial intelligence enable new ways of usage.
With these opportunities come risks. In the EU, 96% of young people use the internet daily, with rapidly changing habits. This multiplies the risks, from illegal content to disinformation.
It is our joint responsibility to protect children online. The EUs Digital Services Act sets an unprecedented standard for the protection of children and young people.
Besides protection, young people should actively participate and have equal rights. These are the three focus points today: protection, participation, and parity of rights.
Cyberbullying is a growing issue. One in six young people reports being bullied online. We are developing an EU Action Plan against Cyberbullying.
It is crucial for young people to share their experiences and for social media to empower them to reach their full potential.
Thank you for your attention!