FOSI 2024 Annual Conference
Overview
From Protection to Empowerment
On December 9th, 2024, FOSI hosted its Annual Conference at the InterContinental on the Wharf in Washington, DC. This year’s theme, From Protection to Empowerment, brought together leaders from the public, private, academic, and nonprofit sectors to address the most pressing issues in online safety. The conference explored how protective measures can evolve into tools that empower users to confidently navigate the digital world.
The day began with a Keynote Address from Hon. Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, who underscored the importance of collaboration in creating safer online spaces. FOSI’s CEO, Stephen Balkam, welcomed attendees with opening remarks that set the tone for the day’s discussions. This was followed by the launch of FOSI’s latest research, Promoting Wellbeing in the Digital World, conducted in partnership with Kantar. Researchers presented findings on how teens and parents in the U.S., Germany, and Brazil perceive the role of digital devices in their emotional, physical, and social wellbeing.
A dynamic panel discussion followed the research presentation, featuring experts such as Dr. Amanda Ferguson from the University of Cambridge, Dr. Jennifer Kotler Clarke from Google, and Dr. Emily Weinstein from Harvard’s Center for Digital Thriving. Moderated by Dr. Nicol Turner Lee of the Brookings Institution, the panel unpacked the study’s implications for industry and policymakers, offering insights on promoting digital wellbeing.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in thought-provoking sessions covering a range of critical topics. The Global Online Safety Regulators Network reconvened for a two-year review, with regulators from Australia, France, and the UK discussing cross-border collaboration and regulatory progress. A fireside chat with Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, provided further insights into the evolving landscape of online safety policy.
The conference also featured two sets of breakout sessions that allowed attendees to dive deeper into specific areas, such as AI-driven content moderation, financial sextortion, youth perspectives on digital safety, and children’s rights in the digital age. These panels brought together experts from organizations like Snap, Roblox, LEGO, and Thorn, providing a comprehensive look at the opportunities and challenges in online safety.
In the afternoon plenary sessions, mother-daughter TikTok creators, Erica Grit and her daughter Kamilah Ramsay, shared their experiences navigating the digital world together. Additional panels focused on gaming safety innovations, digital parenting in a rapidly changing tech landscape, and building enriching online experiences for teens.
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Stephen Balkam, reinforcing the theme of empowering users in the digital age. Attendees left with fresh insights, actionable strategies, and new connections to advance the mission of online safety.
Event Highlights:
- Keynote Address: Hon. Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
- Research Launch: Promoting Wellbeing in the Digital World
- Breakout Panels: Covering topics like AI, financial sextortion, and the rights of children in the digital age
- Global Perspectives: Insights from international regulators and Gen Z leaders
- Networking Opportunities: Including a lively evening reception
Full videos of all mainstage sessions are available on FOSI’s YouTube channel.
Photos from the conference are now available in our event Event Media Gallery.
Speakers
Hon. Alejandro Mayorkas
Secretary, US Department of Homeland Security
Alan Davidson
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, U.S. Department of Commerce
Julie Inman Grant
eSafety Commissioner, Australian Government
Benoît Loutrel
Board Member, ARCOM
Gill Whitehead
Chairperson, Global Online Safety Regulators Network (GOSRN)
Henry Adams
Director of Trust & Safety, Resolver
Patricia Cartes Andrés
Head of Trust & Safety, Cantina AI
Charlotte Aynsley
Policy Consultant, Family Online Safety Institute/Charlotte Aynsley Digital Consultants
Dinu Antonescu
Council for Digital Well-Being, Snapchat
Pratishtha Arora
CEO, Social Media Matters
Tami Bhaumik
VP, Civility & Partnerships, Roblox, FOSI Board Chair*
David Bickham
Research Director, Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital
Mx. Ash Brandin
Content Creator, @TheGamerEducator
Scott Babwah Brennen
Director, Center on Technology Policy at NYU
Stephen Balkam
Founder & CEO, Family Online Safety Institute
Chris Carbone
Senior Director, Kantar
Linda Charmaraman
Senior Research Scientist, Youth, Media, & Wellbeing research lab, Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College
Blair Durkee
Associate Director of Gaming, GLAAD
Nikki Burns
Senior Manager, Government & Public Affairs, The LEGO Group
Liz Dank
Senior Public Policy Manager, Women's & Personal Safety, Uber
Anastasiya Dzyakava
Head of the Board, NGO #stop_sexting
Anne Collier
Founder & Executive Director, Net Safety Collaborative
Viraj Doshi
Platform Safety Lead, Snap Inc.
Eric Ebenstein
Senior Director of Public Policy, TikTok*
Vera Eidelman
Staff Attorney, Speech, Privacy & Technology Project, ACLU
Amanda Ferguson
Senior Research Associate, University of Cambridge
Kerry Gallagher
Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning & Education Director, St. John's Prep & ConnectSafely
Audace Garnett
Director of the Safety Net Project, National Network to End Domestic Violence
Kamilah Ramsay
Amanda Goharian
Senior Research Manager, Thorn
Kishonna L Gray
Professor, University of Michigan
Laura Higgins
Senior Director of Community Safety and Digital Civility, Roblox
Justin Hendrix
CEO and Editor, Tech Policy Press
Jessica Janze, PhD
Clinical Psychologist, Anxiety Disorder Center, Child Mind Institute
Austin Jenkins
Staff Writer, Pluribus News
Vaishnavi J
Founder, Vyanams Strategies (VYS)
Pranav Karthikeyan
Youth Advisory Council Member, NAMLE
Kate Kennedy
Know2Protect, Campaign Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Emily Cashman Kirstein
Child Safety Manager, Google*
Jennifer Kotler Clarke
Head of Research & Content Strategy for the Kids & Family Team, Google
Dr. Nicol Turner Lee
Director, The Center for Technology Innovation (CTI), Brookings Institution
Michelle Lopes Maldonado
Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates
Maya A. McKenzie
Senior Counsel, Tech Policy, Entertainment Software Association
Lama Mohammed
Tech Policy Fellow, New York University's Center for Social Media and Politics
Candela Montero
Vice President of Trust, Safety and Support, Epic Games
Dr. Megan Moreno
Kati Morton
Co-Founder and President, Happyable, Inc.
Ioanna Noula
Fellow, UCD Centre for Digital Policy
Jinan O’Connor
Vice President, Brand Partnerships and Engagement, DonorsChoose
Kemi Ojikutu
Youth Advisory Board Member, Born This Way Foundation
Mike Pappas*
CEO, Modulate
Casey Pick
Director of Law and Policy, The Trevor Project
Cinnamon Rogers
VP, Global Public Policy, Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation)
Gus Rossi
Director, Omidyar Network
Bailey Sanchez
Senior Counsel, U.S. Legislation, Future of Privacy Forum
Arana Shapiro
Chief Operating and Programs Officer, Games For Change
Kara Sundby
Senior Director, Kantar
Cori Stott
Executive Director, Digital Wellness Lab, Boston Children's Hospital
Taylor
Consultant, NCMEC
Erica Tate
Parent + TikTok creator
Catherine Teitelbaum
Head of Family Trust, Amazon
Patricia E. Vance
President, Entertainment Software Rating Board
Arjun Venkataswamy
Principal Product Manager, Amazon
Shannon Vyvijal, MPP
Associate Communications Manager, Foundation for Social Connection
Madison Watts
Youth Advisory Panelist, American Academy of Pediatrics: Center of Excellence
Emily Weinstein
Co-Founder + Co-Director, Center for Digital Thriving, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Shoshana Weissmann
Fellow, R Street Institute
Becky White
Senior Policy and Legislative Director, New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes
Andrew Zack
Senior Policy Manager, Family Online Safety Institute
Agenda
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Registration, Breakfast & Exhibits | Sponsored by Electronic Arts
9:00 AM – 9:03 AM
Opening Remarks
- Tami Bhaumik, Roblox, FOSI Chair
9:03 AM – 9:10 AM
Keynote Address
- Hon. Alejandro Mayorkas, US Secretary, Department of Homeland Security
9:10 AM – 9:20 AM
Welcome Address
- Stephen Balkam, FOSI
9:20 AM – 9:40 AM
Research Launch: Promoting Wellbeing in the Digital World
A presentation of summarized findings from a new FOSI study will explore how teens and their parents navigate wellbeing in our digital world, and how they feel their devices support or hinder their overall wellbeing. The mixed method study takes place in three countries – US, Germany, and Brazil, and focuses primarily on emotional/mental, physical and social wellbeing.
- Chris Carbone, Kantar
- Kara Sundby, Kantar
9:40 AM – 10:15 AM
Promoting Wellbeing in the Digital World: The Experts React
Discover the key takeaways from FOSI’s 2024 research as a panel of experts breaks down the findings. This session will explore the new study’s implications on online safety and the potential next steps for industry and policymakers.
- Dr. Amanda Ferguson, The Digital Mental Health Group, University of Cambridge
- Dr. Jennifer Kotler Clarke, Google
- Dr. Nicol Turner Lee, Brookings Institute (moderator)
- Dr. Emily Weinstein, Project Zero, Harvard University
10:15 AM – 10:40 AM
Networking Break & Exhibits | Sponsored by PrivateID
10:40 AM – 11:20 AM
Global Online Safety Regulators Network: A Two-Year Review
Two years after the launch of the Global Online Safety Regulators Network, the top regulators from Australia, France, and the UK return to FOSI to discuss their work, recent developments, and the progress they’ve made in cultivating communication between countries in regard to regulatory practices, online safety standards and how/what they have learned from one another.
- Stephen Balkam, FOSI (Moderator)
- Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner, Australia
- Benoit Loutrel, ARCOM, France
- Gill Whitehead, Chairperson, Global Online Safety Regulators Network (GOSRN)
11:20 AM – 11:40 AM
Fireside Chat
- Stephen Balkam, FOSI (Moderator)
- Assistant Secretary Alan Davidson, NTIA
11:50 AM – 12:40 PM
Morning Breakout Sessions
*Please note morning breakout sessions will not be livestreamed or recorded.
Online to Offline: Empowering Users to Safely Navigate Digital Spaces
As the lines are increasingly blurred between our online and offline worlds, this panel will examine the latest safety innovations that empower users to stay safe online and IRL. Experts will discuss the latest tools, trends, and research, as well as the importance of designing and integrating new technologies with safety in mind.
- Liz Dank, Uber
- Viraj Doshi, Snap
- Audace Garnett, National Network to End Domestic Violence
- Shannon Vyvijal, Foundation for Social Connection
- Cori Stott, Digital Wellness Lab (Moderator)
Dark Threats, Bright Solutions: Combating Financial Sextortion and AI-Driven Exploitation
This panel will address the rising threats of financial sextortion, blackmail, AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and nudification apps. Experts will discuss the latest trends in combating these challenges and the tech solutions shaping the future of online protection. Please be aware that this panel will discuss sensitive topics related to harassment and assault, including crimes against minors.
- Taylor, NCMEC Consultant
- Pratishtha Arora, Social & Media Matters
- Anastasiya Dzyakaya, #stop_sexting
- Kerry Gallagher, St. John’s Prep (Moderator)
- Amanda Goharian, Thorn
- Kate Kennedy, Department of Homeland Security
Debating the Future: What Policies Are Needed to Protect Kids Online?
In this interactive policy debate, leading voices will explore the delicate balance between protecting children online and regulating social media platforms. How should policymakers work to pass effective online safety protections while respecting individual rights?
- Justin Hendrix, Tech Policy Press (Moderator)
- Casey Pick, The Trevor Project
- Gus Rossi, Omidyar Network
- Shoshana Weissmann, R Street Institute
- Andrew Zack, FOSI
Game On: Innovations and Safety in the Gaming World
Explore the latest advancements in gaming technology and how the industry is evolving to enhance both entertainment and safety. This panel will highlight different aspects of gaming, including parental controls, AI integration, and community building.
- Dr. Kishonna Gray, University of Michigan
- Laura Higgins, Roblox
- Mike Pappas, Modulate
- Cinnamon Rogers, Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation)
- Arana Shapiro, Games for Change (Moderator)
12:40 PM – 1:25 PM
Networking Luncheon | Sponsored by Pinterest
1:35 PM – 2:25 PM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
*Please note afternoon breakout sessions will not be livestreamed or recorded.
AI and Accountability: Content Moderation in the Digital Age
As AI transforms the landscape of content moderation, this session will dive into the challenges and opportunities of using artificial intelligence to detect and remove harmful content. Industry leaders will discuss ethical concerns, transparency, and the future of automated moderation.
- Henry Adams, Resolver
- Patricia Cartes Andrés, Cantina AI
- Meg Leta Jones, Georgetown University
- Vaishnavi J, Vyanams Strategies (Moderator)
- Lama Mohammed, NYU Center for Social Media and Politics
The State of the States – From Albany to Sacramento
A deep dive into the diverse approaches that U.S. states are taking to regulate online safety and tech policy. From digital privacy laws to online protection measures, this panel will explore what’s working, what isn’t, and what the future holds.
- Scott Babwah Brennen, Center on Technology Policy, NYU
- Vera Eidelman, ACLU
- Austin Jenkins, Pluribus (Moderator)
- Bailey Sanchez, Future of Privacy Forum
- Becky White, Office of State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-NY)
Voices of the Future: Insights from Gen Z
Hear directly from the next generation as young leaders share their perspectives on online safety, digital well-being, and the future of the internet. This engaging panel will highlight the unique experiences and challenges faced by today’s digital natives.
- Dinu Antonescu, Snap Youth Council
- Pranav Karthikeyan, NAMLE Youth Advisory Council
- Dr. Megan Moreno, AAP’s Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health (Moderator)
- Kemi Ojikutu, Born This Way Foundation
- Madison Watts, AAP’s Youth Council
What Rights Do Children Have in the Digital Age?
This panel will discuss what tech companies are doing to keep children safe online, the importance of respecting children’s rights while designing and regulating online experiences, and how to center digital wellbeing as a key online safety consideration.
- Charlotte Aynsley, FOSI (moderator)
- Nikki Burns, LEGO
- Linda Charmaraman, Ph.D., Youth, Media, & Wellbeing Research Lab, Wellesley Centers for Women
- Anne Collier, The Net Safety Collaborative
- Ioanna Noula, Ph.D., UCD Centre for Digital Policy
2:35 PM – 3:05 PM
Safety By Design: Putting Safety at the Forefront of Video Game Design
As games become more interactive and the creator economy continues to grow, it requires a new approach to safety. This conversation will explore how companies can design games that are both fun and safe for players of all ages and features that empower parents to tailor the experience that’s right for their family.
- Candela Montero, Epic Games
- Pat Vance, ESRB
3:05 PM – 3:35 PM
Empowering Parents & Kids to Experience the Power of Play
Video games are one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world today. More than three-quarters of Gen Alpha and Gen Z play video games every week and 83% of parents who play video games play as a family. Join the Entertainment Software Association for a conversation on how the benefits of games go well beyond fun and entertainment, as well as how the video game industry is working with trust and safety professionals and policymakers to provide the tools and resources kids and families need to experience the power of play.
- Maya McKenzie, ESA (Moderator)
- Blair Durkee, GLAAD
- Del Michelle Maldonado, 20th District of the Virginia House of Delegates
- Pat Vance, ESRB
3:35 PM – 4:05 PM
Networking Break & Exhibits
4:05 PM – 4:35 PM
Our Digital Journey: How Parents and Teens Can Navigate the Online World, Together
Join TikTok creator Erica (@mrandmrsgrit) and her daughter Kamilah for a conversation about how they navigate the digital world as a family. Erica and Kamilah will share their perspectives balancing creativity with healthy digital boundaries. This parent-teen discussion will offer insights into how families can use safety features and open communication to create positive digital experiences together.
- Eric Ebenstein, TikTok (Moderator)
- Erica Tate, TikTok creator
- Kamilah Grit, TikTok creator
4:35 PM – 5:05 PM
Parenting in a Dynamic Digital World
We are living in a fast-paced, ever-evolving digital world, and this panel will explore the challenges and opportunities for tech companies, parents, educators, and youth. How do we empower kids to be prepared for a future that we can’t even fully envision? How do we equip young people with the tools and knowledge to think critically as they navigate new technology such as AI within this ever-changing digital landscape? Experts will share practical tips, tools and advice.
- David Bickham, Ph.D, Digital Wellness Lab
- Mx. Ash Brandin, EdS, @TheGamerEducator
- Catherine Teitelbaum, Amazon Family Trust (moderator)
- Arjun Venkataswamy, Alexa Kids
5:05 PM – 5:35 PM
Beyond the Screen: Building Experiences For and With Teens
Key experts in teen content and development will discuss best practices for building safer and more enriching online experiences for teens that reflect their specific developmental stages, their drive to create and participate, and their need to develop essential skills for the future.
- Tami Bhaumik, Roblox
- Emily Cashman Kirstein, Google (Moderator)
- Jessica Janze, Ph.D, Child Mind Institute
- Jinan O’Connor, DonorsChoose
- Kati Morton, LMFT & YouTube Creator
5:35 PM – 5:40 PM
Closing Remarks
- Stephen Balkam, FOSI
5:40 PM – 7:40 PM