Hanoi Convention: Spreading the message of staying safe online together

On October 25, within the framework of the Hanoi Convention Opening Ceremony, a sideline discussion session with the theme "The role of online platforms in protecting children and adolescents from cybercrime" chaired by the Digital Trust Alliance and the Department of Cyber ​​Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention and Control (A05, Ministry of Public Security) took place with the participation of representatives of management agencies, international organizations, technology platforms and the creative community.

Seminar "The Role of Online Platforms in Protecting Children and Adolescents from Cybercrime". Photo: nhandan.vn

The event is part of the "Not Alone" campaign, which aims to build a multi-faceted dialogue space to concretize the spirit of the Hanoi Convention, protecting vulnerable people, especially children and adolescents, from the increasingly complex threats of cybercrime.

Global challenges and shared responsibilities.

With the internet and social media becoming an integral part of life, children and adolescents are facing many new risks. According to data from the Cyber ​​Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department (A05, Ministry of Public Security ), in 2024, Vietnam recorded 381 cases of child abuse online, mostly related to seduction, manipulation, extortion, or human trafficking via online platforms. Meanwhile, an international report by NCMEC (USA, 2024) indicates that the amount of child abuse content created by AI increased by 1,325% compared to 2023, clearly demonstrating that technology is being exploited as a tool for crime.

Vietnam is facing many complex challenges in protecting children in cyberspace. Cybercriminals are now fully exploiting the anonymity of the digital environment to find, manipulate, and exploit child and adolescent victims. This reality demands even closer coordination between agencies and online platforms.

According to the Cyber ​​Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department, Vietnam has been striving to build a legal framework, improve management mechanisms, and strengthen international cooperation to prevent and address cybercrime. However, many gaps still exist, particularly in data sharing, content transparency, and compatibility between domestic legal regulations and the policies of cross-border platforms.

"Protecting children in cyberspace cannot be the sole responsibility of regulatory agencies or technology platforms. It is a shared responsibility of all parties," emphasized Major General Le Xuan Minh, Director of the Cyber ​​Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department.

At the seminar, Ms. Michaela Bauer, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Vietnam, emphasized the importance of "protection coupled with empowerment," helping children not only to be safe but also to have the digital skills to protect themselves. UNICEF also affirmed its continued partnership with Vietnam in disseminating the Hanoi Convention and incorporating child protection content in every school and digital skills education program.

Also at the program, Rob Abrams, Head of Law Enforcement Partnerships for the Asia Pacific Region at Meta Group, stated that the platform approaches youth safety issues from three perspectives: prevention, control, and incident response. Meta applies rigorous security standards, technology for early detection of unusual behavior, and blocking and reporting tools to help users protect themselves.

Some notable initiatives introduced include private accounts for teenagers, automatic restriction of sensitive content, and interaction limits to reduce online risks. Meta also affirmed its support for the goals of the Hanoi Convention, committed to policy transparency, cooperation with authorities, and continued expansion of digital skills education programs for young Vietnamese people.

Spread the message of staying safe online together.

Alongside the panel discussion, the "Never Alone" campaign's experiential space at the Hanoi Convention signing ceremony became a highlight, attracting numerous guests and international delegates. The space was designed in a modern, highly interactive style, embodying a spirit of connection and sharing about online safety.

Visitors can watch videos and documentaries showcasing the journey of the "Not Alone" campaign, along with inspiring stories from young ambassadors. The exhibition also features various media materials and instructional publications to help viewers raise awareness and improve their skills in preventing online risks. In addition, visitors can experience an interactive quiz on electronic devices to test their knowledge and practice identifying online scams and harassment.

The exhibition also included a dedicated area where visitors could pledge action and receive souvenirs bearing the campaign's symbol. Through these interactive activities, the message "Staying Safe Online Together" was not only conveyed through media but also became a real-life experience for each individual.

The "Not Alone" campaign, initiated by the Digital Trust Alliance, has received support from international organizations such as UNODC and UNICEF, along with the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with cross-border digital platforms TikTok, Meta, Google, and social organizations protecting children's rights.

With the message "Not alone - Together we are safe online," the campaign continues to affirm its role as a bridge to spread awareness and encourage action for a safe, humane, and sustainable online environment for everyone.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/cong-uoc-ha-noi-lan-toa-thong-diep-cung-nhau-an-toan-truc-tuyen-20251025193209244.htm