Alexandra Valencia

Legal research brief Topic: International Human Rights & Policy Title: State Obligations to Protect Children’s Rights in Digital Environments Legal Research Brief (Sample – Anonymised) Issue This brief examines states’ obligations under international human rights law to protect children’s rights in digital and online environments, particularly concerning data protection, surveillance, and online platforms. Legal Framework • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Articles 3, 16, and 19 • General Comment No. 25 (2021) on children’s rights in relation to the digital environment • European Convention on Human Rights (Articles 8 and 10) • Emerging international data protection standards Analysis States have a positive obligation to ensure that children’s best interests are a primary consideration in digital governance. This includes regulating private actors, ensuring age-appropriate design, limiting intrusive data collection, and safeguarding children from exploitation and harm online. Failure to regulate digital platforms may amount to a breach of the right to privacy and protection from harm. Conclusion International law increasingly requires proactive regulation of digital services affecting children. States must align domestic legislation with evolving international standards to ensure effective protection. All samples are anonymised or mock documents. I strictly adhere to confidentiality, data protection, and professional ethics.