Participating in the FOSI European Forum 2026, a platform dedicated to shaping the future of online safety and digital responsibility through meaningful dialogue

The International Center “La Strada”, together with representatives of its institutional partners—the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Ministry of Education and Research—participated on 9 June 2026 in the FOSI European Forum 2026, organized by the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) and hosted by Google in Brussels, Belgium.

Held under the theme “Finding Common Ground,” this year’s edition brought together policymakers, researchers, regulators, representatives of leading technology companies, industry leaders, and civil society organizations from across Europe and beyond. The Forum aimed to foster a shared approach to online safety and digital responsibility while strengthening cooperation among key stakeholders in the field.

The event agenda featured expert presentations and practical discussions grounded in evidence and real-world experience, addressing key online safety issues at the heart of the European agenda. Topics included tools and mechanisms for protecting children and young people in the digital environment, developments in regulatory frameworks and the implementation of new digital policies, technological innovation and user-centered solutions, as well as perspectives on the future of digital citizenship and support for families online. The format brought together viewpoints from policymakers, industry representatives, civil society organizations, young people, and parents, encouraging collaborative and cross-sectoral solutions.

Representatives of European institutions and regulatory authorities presented the latest developments in the digital legislative framework, including the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the AI Act, as well as related initiatives on age verification and digital tools designed to enhance user protection. Discussions highlighted the dynamic nature of an evolving regulatory ecosystem, where effective implementation of policies is just as important as their design.

The technological dimension of digital responsibility, commitments undertaken, measures implemented to strengthen the protection of child users, and emerging challenges in this area were addressed by representatives of major global technology companies and digital platforms, including Google, TikTok, Netflix, OpenAI, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Roblox, and YouTube, all of which were represented at the event.

Civil society representatives also participated in the discussions, emphasizing the need for concrete measures to strengthen the protection of vulnerable groups in the online environment. They reiterated the importance of holding industries accountable and implementing mandatory actions—including transparency measures, impact assessment reporting, safety-by-design principles, and support for parents and caregivers—to reduce the risks children may face when interacting with products and services available on the market, while preserving their access to the benefits of the digital world.

Young people were likewise invited to the discussion table alongside decision-makers, enabling the latter to better understand how online safety is perceived and experienced directly by children and adolescents, beyond regulatory frameworks. This session included members of the TikTok Global Youth Council, an international coalition of young people whose role is to help make TikTok a safer platform for users under the age of 18.

The Forum also provided a valuable platform for exchanging experiences and best practices regarding current digital challenges, including the impact of Artificial Intelligence on children, young people, and families.

The participation of the International Center “La Strada” and its partners in this event provided an important opportunity to engage with European and international discussions and emerging trends in online safety, while strengthening the partnerships necessary for developing effective policies and interventions that benefit children and families in our country.

The insights and conclusions gained from the Forum will contribute to the further development of the Digital Safety Center of Moldova, coordinated by the International Center “La Strada” in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, and the General Police Inspectorate.