FOSI 2026 European Forum
Overview
Finding Common Ground
On June 9, 2026, the Family Online Safety Institute will host its European Forum at Google’s offices in Brussels, Belgium, bringing together leaders from across sectors to advance meaningful dialogue on online safety and digital responsibility.
This annual convening unites policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and advocates from around the world for a full day of thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and exchange. At a time when digital challenges increasingly cross borders, the Forum serves as a vital space to identify shared priorities, bridge perspectives, and explore solutions grounded in common values.
Through open conversation and cross-sector engagement, Finding Common Ground underscores the importance of collaboration in shaping a safer, more responsible digital future. Additional details, including the program agenda and confirmed speakers, will be announced soon.
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Speakers
Stephen Balkam
Founder & CEO, Family Online Safety Institute
Tami Bhaumik
VP, Civility & Partnerships, Roblox
Jeffrey DeMarco
Senior Technical Advisor, Protecting Children from Digital Harm, Save the Children
Eric Ebenstein
Senior Director of Public Policy, TikTok, FOSI Board Chair*
Martin Harris Hess
Head of Sector for Protection of Minors Online, European Commission - DG CNECT
Bernardo Herman
Member of the Council, Belgian Institute for Postal services and Telecommunications
Miguel Ovejero Pérez
Head of International Affairs for Audiovisual and Media, Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC)
Ian Russell
Chair, Molly Rose Foundation
Jonny Shipp
Independent Consultant, Jonathan E. Shipp SRL
Seaneen Sloan
Co-Director, Associate Professor, Growing Up In Digital Europe Research Infrastructure / University College Dublin
Agenda
Please note: Additional speakers and program details will be announced as we near the event.
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
10:15 AM – 10:20 AM: Welcome Remarks from Google
10:20 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening Remarks
Eric Ebenstein, TikTok and FOSI Chair
Stephen Balkam, FOSI
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Policy Panel
This panel of European regulators will share the latest on online safety policies being implemented across Europe, including the DSA, AI Act, Age verification “mini wallet” pilot efforts, enforcement efforts, and more.
- Moderator: Jonny Shipp
- Martin Harris Hess, EU Commission
- Miguel Ovejero, CNMC
- Bernardo Herman, BIPT
- Anna Lucas, Ofcom
Additional speakers to be announced
11:30 AM – 11:50 PM: Fireside Chat: Innovating to Help Keep Kids Safe
Apple has innovated some of the most powerful tools in the world for keeping kids safe online and parents in control. In this talk, Apple’s Ruben Van Der Dussen will join FOSI CEO Stephen Balkam to discuss Apple’s latest features, and how the company is working to make it easier than ever for parents to set guardrails that enable great, safe experiences for kids and teens.
Stephen Balkam, FOSI
Ruben van der Dussen, Apple
11:50 PM – 12:50 PM: Networking Lunch
12:50 PM – 1:10 PM: Afternoon Opening Remarks
Teens from Belgium’s Child Focus organization will kick off the afternoon with youth perspectives on online safety.
1:10 PM – 1:40 PM: Fireside Chat, Ian Russell
This conversation between Stephen Balkam and Ian Russell, chair of the Molly Rose Foundation, will focus on Ian’s work to end preventable harm online following the death of his daughter in 2017.
- Stephen Balkam, FOSI
- Ian Russell, Molly Rose Foundation
1:40 PM – 1:50 PM: Lightning Talk
A representative from the United Kingdom’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will provide an update on the UK’s National Consultation on social media and children’s online experiences, which closes on May 26.
1:50 PM – 2:10 PM: TikTok Sponsor Fireside Chat
This fireside chat between Eric Ebenstein and a member of TikTok’s Youth Council, will focus on teens’ experiences of online safety.
2:10 PM – 3:05 PM: Research Panel: Bans, Social Media, AI and Children’s Rights
This panel of academics and civil society representatives will focus on the latest research on children’s digital well-being and explore how today’s technology policies are impacting children’s rights.
- Jeffrey DeMarco, Save the Children
- Karen McAuley, Coimisiún na Meán
- Emilio Puccio, Secretary General of the European Parliament Intergroup on Children’s Rights
- Mike Jackson, Microsoft
- Seaneen Sloan, University College Dublin
3:05 PM – 3:35: Tea Break
3:35 PM – 3:55 PM: Industry Fireside Chat
3:55 PM – 4:35 PM: Parenting Panel
FOSI’s research shows that families believe parents should play a significant role in teaching about online safety. This panel, featuring industry experts and civil society representatives, will focus on how platforms can help parents in this essential role and navigate the online world with confidence.
- Tami Bhaumik, Roblox
Additional speakers to be announced
4:35 PM – 4:55 PM Industry Fireside Chat
4:55 PM – 5:00 PM: Closing Remarks
Stephen Balkam, FOSI
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Closing Reception