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IGF 2024 WS #261 Enhancing Child Safety: Lessons Gaming and Platforms

    Organizer 1: Edward Palmieri, Roblox

    Speaker 1: Nicky Jackson Colaco, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 2: Tami Bhaumik, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 3: Edward Palmieri, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Moderator

    Nicky Jackson Colaco, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Online Moderator

    Edward Palmieri, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Rapporteur

    Edward Palmieri, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Format

    Theater
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: The 60-minute theater format is best suited for our session due to its focus on delivering structured, expert-led presentations, followed by a moderated discussion and Q&A. This format allows our speakers to concisely present the latest developments and insights on child safety within digital gaming environments, maximizing the impact of the content within a limited timeframe. The theater setting also supports a larger audience, enabling more participants to benefit from the discussions without the need for extensive interaction, which is ideal for our goal of broad dissemination of information. This setup will ensure that attendees leave with a clear understanding of the key issues and potential solutions, within a timeframe that maintains engagement and effectiveness.

    Policy Question(s)

    How can digital gaming platforms align with international child protection laws while fostering innovation and user engagement?

    What mechanisms should be implemented to ensure effective collaboration between online platform companies, parents, and policymakers to enhance child safety online?

    In what ways can emerging technologies like AI be utilized to monitor and enhance child safety measures on gaming and other platforms without compromising privacy?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of child safety measures within the gaming industry and in related platform experiences. This session will provide an in-depth look at effective safety protocols and the innovative use of technology to protect younger online participants. Attendees will engage with case studies from leading platforms like Roblox, which illustrate successful strategies for creating safer gaming environments. Additionally, the workshop will facilitate discussions on regulatory compliance and industry-wide collaborations, empowering participants to apply these insights to enhance child protection measures in their own digital projects and platforms.

    Description:

    This interactive workshop delves into the critical issue of child safety within digital gaming and other platform environments. Participants will explore how gaming and online experiences ecosystems implement safety measures and the role of technology in protecting younger users. Drawing on insights from industry leaders, the session will discuss innovative safety features, regulatory challenges, and collaborative strategies to enhance online security for children. Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge on improving safety protocols in their own digital spaces.

    Expected Outcomes

    The expected outcomes of this workshop include the articulation and understanding of best practices for enhancing child safety on digital gaming platforms. Participants will collaboratively identify effective safety features and regulatory compliance strategies that can be implemented across the industry. Additionally, the session aims to initiate the creation of a cross-sectoral working group focused on continuous improvement of child protection measures in gaming environments. This group will work towards drafting a white paper summarizing the workshop's insights and recommendations, which will be shared with key stakeholders and the wider community to influence future policy and practice.

    Hybrid Format: To ensure an engaging hybrid session, we will facilitate interaction between onsite and online participants by utilizing real-time polling and Q&A sessions through Zoom, allowing both groups to contribute equally to the discussion. Online moderators will be specifically tasked with integrating online audience questions into the live discussion, ensuring seamless interaction.

    The session will be designed with high-quality video and audio streaming to provide a clear and uninterrupted experience for online participants. Additionally, we will use interactive platforms like Slido or Menti for real-time audience engagement, allowing participants to submit questions and participate in polls regardless of their location. This will help create a unified experience for all attendees, encouraging active participation and discussion across both physical and digital platforms.