Their ambition is to collaborate with the children's online safety stakeholders (experts, NGOs, members of the Consortium, and government representatives) on an AFNOR standard for social networks to be used and implemented by platforms. That initiative perfectly illustrates one of our core missions: accompanying the industry in its aself-regulation initiatives to protect children better online.

What contains that common standard? 

The AFNOR specifications are entitled "Risk prevention and protection of minors on social networks". It proposes practical methods for preventing risks and moderating content on social networks. It is aimed at digital players and creators of online platforms and introduces innovative recommendations to help organisations protect underage users.  

It focuses on three main areas:  

• account verification 
• detection and moderation 
• transparency and awareness-raising. 

What does Yubo's initiative show us?  

The social networking industry is flourishing, and the risks to underage users constantly evolve as the sector innovates. Although legislation is becoming more restrictive, self-regulation has been the rule until now. The goodwill of some emerging players is a strong signal for all those involved in protecting minors online. Moreover, publishing working documents as practical and concrete as this AFNOR standard may enable other countries to adopt it, creating a virtuous circle of good practice across Europe... And perhaps beyond. 

Find more information about the work of the French Safer Internet Centre, including their awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services – or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.