Mitigating AI risks to children

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are reshaping industries and societies at an unprecedented pace. Worldwide spending on AI-enabled applications, infrastructure, and related services is forecast to more than double by 2028, reaching US$632bn. This surge underscores the financial materiality of AI for companies across sectors.

However, alongside the numerous opportunities, there are significant financial and social risks, particularly those concerning children. In recent years, policymakers have attempted to grapple with these risks, with the UK’s Online Safety Act and the EU’s AI Act imposing stringent obligations on companies to protect minors online.

EOS has engaged on digital rights for over a decade, but during the last 12 months we have intensified our efforts on child-safe AI. The proliferation of generative AI, and its integration into everyday platforms, has amplified risks such as exposure to harmful content, exploitation, and mental health impacts. Public awareness and regulatory action have surged, making this a priority area for investors and companies alike.

Our guidance for how companies should develop and deploy AI and digital services is grounded in the EOS Digital Governance Principles (2025). This document emphasises prioritising children and young people when addressing the potential negative societal impacts of technology. The EOS Digital Governance Principles expand on earlier guidelines, which encouraged companies to adopt safety-by-design measures, including enhanced privacy protections. These principles reflect growing regulatory and investor scrutiny of how companies manage risks to children in digital environments.

To find out more, read the full article in our Q1 2026 Public Engagement Report.