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.
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.
Secretary, US Department of Homeland Security
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, U.S. Department of Commerce
eSafety Commissioner, Australian Government
Board Member, ARCOM
Chairperson, Global Online Safety Regulators Network (GOSRN)
Director of Trust & Safety, Resolver
Head of Trust & Safety, Cantina AI
Policy Consultant, Family Online Safety Institute/Charlotte Aynsley Digital Consultants
Council for Digital Well-Being, Snapchat
CEO, Social Media Matters
VP, Civility & Partnerships, Roblox, FOSI Board Chair*
Research Director, Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital
Content Creator, @TheGamerEducator
Director, Center on Technology Policy at NYU
Founder & CEO, Family Online Safety Institute
Senior Director, Kantar
Senior Research Scientist, Youth, Media, & Wellbeing research lab, Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College
Associate Director of Gaming, GLAAD
Senior Manager, Government & Public Affairs, The LEGO Group
Senior Public Policy Manager, Women's & Personal Safety, Uber
Head of the Board, NGO #stop_sexting
Founder & Executive Director, Net Safety Collaborative
Platform Safety Lead, Snap Inc.
Senior Director of Public Policy, TikTok*
Staff Attorney, Speech, Privacy & Technology Project, ACLU
Senior Research Associate, University of Cambridge
Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning & Education Director, St. John's Prep & ConnectSafely
Director of the Safety Net Project, National Network to End Domestic Violence
Senior Research Manager, Thorn
Professor, University of Michigan
Senior Director of Community Safety and Digital Civility, Roblox
CEO and Editor, Tech Policy Press
Clinical Psychologist, Anxiety Disorder Center, Child Mind Institute
Staff Writer, Pluribus News
Founder, Vyanams Strategies (VYS)
Youth Advisory Council Member, NAMLE
Know2Protect, Campaign Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Child Safety Manager, Google*
Head of Research & Content Strategy for the Kids & Family Team, Google
Director, The Center for Technology Innovation (CTI), Brookings Institution
Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates
Senior Counsel, Tech Policy, Entertainment Software Association
Tech Policy Fellow, New York University's Center for Social Media and Politics
Vice President of Trust, Safety and Support, Epic Games
Co-Founder and President, Happyable, Inc.
Fellow, UCD Centre for Digital Policy
Vice President, Brand Partnerships and Engagement, DonorsChoose
Youth Advisory Board Member, Born This Way Foundation
CEO, Modulate
Director of Law and Policy, The Trevor Project
VP, Global Public Policy, Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation)
Director, Omidyar Network
Senior Counsel, U.S. Legislation, Future of Privacy Forum
Chief Operating and Programs Officer, Games For Change
Senior Director, Kantar
Executive Director, Digital Wellness Lab, Boston Children's Hospital
Consultant, NCMEC
Parent + TikTok creator
Head of Family Trust, Amazon
President, Entertainment Software Rating Board
Principal Product Manager, Amazon
Associate Communications Manager, Foundation for Social Connection
Youth Advisory Panelist, American Academy of Pediatrics: Center of Excellence
Co-Founder + Co-Director, Center for Digital Thriving, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Fellow, R Street Institute
Senior Policy and Legislative Director, New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes
Senior Policy Manager, Family Online Safety Institute
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
9:00 AM – 9:03 AM
9:03 AM – 9:10 AM
9:10 AM – 9:20 AM
9:20 AM – 9:40 AM
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.
9:40 AM – 10:15 AM
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.
10:15 AM – 10:40 AM
10:40 AM – 11:20 AM
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.
11:20 AM – 11:40 AM
11:50 AM – 12:40 PM
*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.
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.
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?
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.
12:40 PM – 1:25 PM
1:35 PM – 2:25 PM
*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.
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.
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.
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.
2:35 PM – 3:05 PM
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.
3:05 PM – 3:35 PM
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.
3:35 PM – 4:05 PM
4:05 PM – 4:35 PM
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.
4:35 PM – 5:05 PM
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.
5:05 PM – 5:35 PM
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.
5:35 PM – 5:40 PM
5:40 PM – 7:40 PM