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.

Discussion "The role of online platforms in protecting children and adolescents from cybercrime". Photo: nhandan.vn

The event is part of a series of activities of the “Not Alone” campaign, aiming to build a multi-dimensional dialogue space to concretize the spirit of the Hanoi Convention, protecting vulnerable people, especially children and adolescents, from the increasingly complex risks of cybercrime.

Global challenges and shared responsibilities

In the context of the Internet and social networks becoming an indispensable part of life, children and adolescents are facing many new risks. According to data from the Department of Cyber ​​Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention (A05, Ministry of Public Security ), in 2024, Vietnam recorded 381 cases of online child abuse, most of which involved acts of seduction, manipulation, blackmail or human trafficking through online platforms. Meanwhile, an international report by NCMEC (USA, 2024) said 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 online. Cybercriminals are now exploiting the anonymity of the digital environment to target, manipulate and exploit children and young people. This requires closer coordination between agencies and online platforms.

According to the Department of Cyber ​​Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention, Vietnam has been making efforts to build a legal corridor, improve management mechanisms and enhance international cooperation to prevent and handle cybercrime. However, many gaps still exist, especially in data sharing, content transparency and compatibility between domestic laws and policies of cross-border platforms.

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

At the discussion, Ms. Michaela Bauer, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Vietnam, emphasized the importance of “protection and empowerment”, helping children not only to be safe but also to have the digital capacity to protect themselves. UNICEF also affirmed that it will continue to accompany Vietnam in disseminating the Hanoi Convention, bringing the content of child protection in cyberspace into every school and every digital skills education program.

Also at the program, Mr. Rob Abrams, Head of Law Enforcement Cooperation for the Asia Pacific Region of Meta Group, said that the platform approaches youth safety in three directions: Prevention, control and incident response. Meta applies strict security standards, technology to detect abnormal behavior early, along with blocking and reporting tools to help users protect themselves.

Some of the 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

Along with the discussion activities, at the exhibition area of ​​the Hanoi Convention Opening Ceremony, the experience space of the “Not Alone” campaign became a highlight attracting many international guests and delegates. The space was designed to be modern, highly interactive, imbued with the spirit of connection and sharing about online safety.

Visitors can watch videos and reports introducing the journey of the “Not Alone” campaign, along with inspirational stories from young ambassadors. The exhibition area also introduces many communication materials and instructional publications to help viewers raise awareness and skills to prevent risks in cyberspace. In addition, visitors can experience interactive quizzes on electronic devices to test their knowledge and practice skills to identify online scams and abuse.

The booth also had a dedicated area for visitors to take part, pledge their actions and receive campaign-branded souvenirs. Through these interactive activities, the message of “Stay Safe Online Together” was not only conveyed through media language but also became a real-life experience that was closely connected to each individual.

The “Not Alone” campaign was initiated by the Digital Trust Alliance and has received the support of international organizations such as UNODC, UNICEF, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Education and Training, 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 online safety”, the campaign continues to affirm its role as a bridge to spread, raise 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