FOSI 2026 European Forum
2026-06-09 | Google Headquarters in Brussels, Chau. d'Etterbeek 180, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
Finding Common Ground
On June 9th, 2026, the Family Online Safety Institute hosted its European Forum at Google’s Brussels office, bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to explore one of the most important questions in online safety today: how do we protect children online while preserving the opportunities and benefits that technology provides?
Under the theme Finding Common Ground, the Forum focused on where policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, educators, and young people can work together to create safer online experiences. Discussions throughout the day examined evolving regulation, emerging research, youth perspectives, parental support, and safety by design.
The morning sessions explored how online safety policy is taking shape across Europe, with regulators discussing the Digital Services Act, AI Act, age assurance efforts, and broader debates around children’s online experiences. Attendees also heard from OpenAI and Apple, bringing industry perspectives to the conversation around family safety and digital wellbeing.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came from the youth representatives of Belgium’s Child Focus organization. Speaking candidly about problematic content, identity exploration, and the realities of growing up online, they reminded attendees why young people must be included in conversations that directly impact their digital lives.
The morning concluded with a powerful fireside conversation between Stephen Balkam and Ian Russell, Chair of the Molly Rose Foundation. Reflecting on the loss of his daughter Molly and his ongoing advocacy efforts, Ian challenged attendees to consider whether progress is happening quickly enough to address the risks facing young people online.
The afternoon focused on solutions. Following an update from the United Kingdom’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and a conversation with TikTok Global Youth Council member Tende Amery, experts examined the latest research on children’s digital wellbeing and the impact of technology policy on children’s rights.
During the Forum, Sarah Bean unveiled FOSI’s latest research, Australian Children’s and Parents’ Perceptions of the Recent Social Media Ban, which explored how attitudes toward Australia’s social media restrictions have evolved since implementation.
A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of balancing protection with participation. Discussions on safety by design, parental support, and video game safety highlighted how thoughtful product design, age-appropriate safeguards, and collaboration across sectors can help create safer online experiences without excluding young people from the digital world.
Stephen Balkam closed the event by thanking speakers, attendees, and partners for their contributions to a day centered on collaboration, evidence, and shared responsibility. While perspectives differed, a common message emerged: protecting children online requires governments, industry, researchers, parents, and young people themselves to work together toward solutions that are both effective and empowering.
Event Highlights

Discussions on the future of online safety policy across Europe, including the DSA, AI Act, and age assurance initiatives
Youth perspectives from Child Focus and TikTok’s Global Youth Council
Fireside conversations with OpenAI, Apple, Ian Russell, Epic Games, and PEGI
Research launch: Australian Children’s and Parents’ Perceptions of the Recent Social Media Ban
Sessions on children’s rights, digital wellbeing, safety by design, and parental support

Wed Nov 18

FOSI 2026 Annual Conference Opening Reception

November 18, 2026, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

November 18 4 pm - 7 pm ET at The Henri, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. Read More »

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Thu Nov 19

FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary

November 19, 2026, 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Join us for the FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary, a milestone event celebrating two decades of leadership in online safety. Read More »

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FOSI 2026 Annual Conference
2026-11-19 | Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, D.C.1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C., MD, 20004, United States
Early Bird Registration is Now Open! Click Here to Register.

Join us for the FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary, a milestone event celebrating two decades of leadership in online safety under the theme, The Past, Present, and Future of Online Safety. The conference will bring together leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to reflect on two decades of progress and discuss what’s next for online safety.

This year’s agenda will explore a range of topics shaping the landscape including AI, age assurance, youth well-being, new research, legislation, and the partnerships that continue to drive progress across the field. Together, these conversations will examine how we can better support children and families in today’s evolving digital world.

Don’t miss this gathering dedicated to shaping the next chapter of online safety—register now at the Early Bird discounted rate.

For attendees interested in booking accommodations, FOSI has secured a room block at the JW Marriott. Hotel reservations can be made here:
https://book.passkey.com/event/51257794/owner/559/home

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Wed Nov 18

FOSI 2026 Annual Conference Opening Reception

November 18, 2026, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

November 18 4 pm - 7 pm ET at The Henri, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. Read More »

Register »

Thu Nov 19

FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary

November 19, 2026, 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Join us for the FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary, a milestone event celebrating two decades of leadership in online safety. Read More »

Register »
