UNCRC adopts General Comment 25: Rights of children in relation to the digital environment

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child adopted General Comment 25 on children’s rights in relation to the digital environment. The rights of children will now apply online as they do offline. 

The document clarifies what the digital environment means for children’s civil rights and freedoms, including rights to privacy, non-discrimination, protection, education, play, and more. It explains the accountability of the state as the primary duty bearer in ensuring that the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) are adhered to, including the periodic reporting process to the committee on how the obligations were met.  States are also obliged to ensure that all entities whose activities impact children within their jurisdiction meet their responsibilities regarding children’s rights.