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IN BRIEF
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Faced with the growing importance ofartificial intelligence in the smartphones, on the Internet and in the video gamesThailand is considering the consequences for the child development. THE Thai Personal Data Protection Bureau (PDPC) and theUNICEF Thailand have engaged in discussions to assess the risks associated with the daily sharing of data — of the geolocation to sensitive information — and to define measures to strengthen the data security, there transparency platforms and thedigital education children and parents. The actors emphasize the importance of the prevention in the face of malicious uses, while recognizing that AI can remain a beneficial tool if used responsibly.
The rapid rise of theartificial intelligence The presence of technology in smartphones, online games, and social media platforms raises questions in Thailand about how these technologies influence the child developmentRepresentatives from the Thai Office of Personal Data Protection (PDPC) and of theUNICEF Thailand, including Muhammad Rafique Khan and Santi Sirithirajesd, met to assess risks, propose protective measures, and promote programs.digital education intended for minors and their parents.
Context and issues
L’AI is now ubiquitous: it powers voice assistants, personalizes content on social media, and influences the video game experience. Every interaction generates digital traces—location, images, messages—which, without safeguards, can be exploited harmfully. In Thailand, as elsewhere, this reality is pushing authorities to rethink the data protection and the regulations surrounding minors.
Local debates are part of a broader regional movement surrounding AI and its governance. Thailand is developing its national strategy in this area, as evidenced by public discussion around dedicated policies (national AI strategy), the creation of a local open-source AI project (Open ThaiGPT) or even the adoption of a code of ethics to regulate usage.
The PDPC–UNICEF meeting: participants and objectives
The meeting between the PDPC and UNICEF Thailand brought together specialists from the child protection — including Muhamad Rafique Khan, head of child protection at UNICEF, and Santi Sirithirajesd — as well as several PDPC officials. The main objective was to identify children’s specific vulnerabilities to AI and to define an appropriate response framework: strengthening security standards, clarifying platform responsibilities, and developing educational tools.
Participants stressed that responses must be multidimensional, combining legislative, technological and educational aspects to be effective in the face of the proliferation of digital services.
Proposed measures to better protect minors
Several avenues for action have been proposed. First, a tightening of the rules governing the collection and use of data from minors Restricted access, explicit consent from guardians, and limitations on the purposes of use. Then, an improvement in the transparency digital platforms, which should allow families to understand how children’s profiles are built and used.
On a technical level, the stakeholders mention the strengthening of the systems of data security Encryption, minimal data retention policies, and independent audits are essential to limit the attack surface. Coordination between national authorities and operators in the region is also considered indispensable.
Raising awareness among children and parents
Prevention anddigital education are among the priorities. Officials want to develop age-appropriate programs to explain to children the risks of excessive information sharing: a photo, geolocation, or a message can be enough to expose a minor to predatory content or phishing.
Information campaigns must target children, parents, and teachers alike, in order to improve critical thinking skills regarding algorithms and encourage safe practices. Educational resources and online modules are being considered as concrete means of intervention.
Identified risks: examples and possible consequences
Experts have highlighted several concrete risks: algorithmic profiling leading to repeated exposure to inappropriate content, exploitation of personal data for commercial or malicious purposes, and increased dependence linked to interfaces designed to maximize engagement. These phenomena can interfere with children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development.
The limited ability of miners to understand technical mechanisms makes protection by design and proactive regulation all the more necessary.
Artificial intelligence as a beneficial tool
Despite the threats, UNICEF and the PDPC reiterate that theAI It can bring significant benefits when properly guided. Personalized educational apps, improved alert systems to detect online abuse, and learning assistants can support children’s well-being and learning.
The challenge, therefore, is to steer technological development towards responsible, transparent uses centered on the best interests of the child.
Regional coordination and related initiatives
Thai thinking is situated within a dynamic regional context. Economic and technological issues in Southeast Asia, as well as investment flows between Vietnam and other countries (investments in Vietnam) or industrial developments linked to trade policies (shift towards Made in Vietnam), demonstrate the importance of transnational cooperation.
Historical and societal topics can also benefit from AI, for example to document the aftermath of conflicts or the industrial past (Agent Orange, traces of the Vietnam War). In parallel, the public policies and ethical charters observed in Thailand (code of ethics) and bilateral and regional initiatives (Vietnam-Singapore relations) indicate a desire for shared governance.
To illustrate the ongoing technological transformations, one can cite local AI and innovation projects that are shaping the Thai digital landscape (Open ThaiGPT) or strategic analyses published internationally (strategy to become a regional hub).
Perspectives for action
The discussions highlight the need for a robust regulatory framework, technical protection tools, and a comprehensive educational offering. Thai authorities, in cooperation with international organizations, can draw on best practices and regional ethical charters to develop tailored responses for young people.
Finally, continued awareness-raising and the involvement of private actors — platforms, developers and operators — will be crucial to ensuring that theAI contributes to the healthy development of children without compromising their safety and privacy.
THE PDPC And UNICEF Thailand — with Muhamad Rafique Khan and Santi Sirithirajesd — examined the issues of theAI on child development and offered some answers. They remind us that the prevention is essential and that theResponsible AI can bring benefits.
- Confidentiality : exhibition of personal data.
- Exposure : access to inappropriate content or online predation.
- Disinformation : deepfakes and information manipulation.
- Bias : algorithmic discrimination affecting the child.
- Dependence : excessive use affecting cognitive development.
- Inequalities : lack of access todigital education.
- Reinforcement data security and specific protections for minors.
- Transparency increased use of platforms for data processing.
- Monitoring and filters to limit exposure to harmful content.
- Audits algorithms to identify and correct biases.
- Boundaries usage and prevention programs to reduce addiction.
- Educational programs to raise awareness among children and parents about digital risks.
FAQ — The impact ofartificial intelligence on the development of children in Thailand
Q: Why is Thailand interested in… today?artificial intelligence and to the children?
A: National and international officials have noted an increase in the risks associated with the treatment of personal data minors through digital services powered by theartificial intelligenceThese concerns led to a meeting between the PDPC and theUNICEF Thailand to assess these risks and identify appropriate responses.
Q: Who participated in this meeting and what roles do they represent?
A: The meeting brought together officials from PDPC (Thai Bureau of Personal Data Protection) and representatives of theUNICEF Thailand, including Muhamad Rafique Khan, head of child protection at theUNICEFand Santi Sirithirajesd, a child protection specialist at theUNICEF Thailand.
Q: What are the main risks identified for children?
A: Risks include the unauthorized collection and use of personal data (photos, location, messages), involuntary visibility on social media platforms, and the use of this information for malicious or manipulative purposes by systems based onAI.
Q: What measures have been proposed to better protect minors?
A: Participants discussed strengthening the security data, a larger transparency digital platforms, and the development of stricter rules governing the use of data minors. They also wish to promote principles of protection integrated from the design stage of digital services.
Q: What role does thedigital education in these proposals?
A: L’digital education is presented as a key measure: developing programs aimed at children and to raise awareness among parents about online risks and responsible internet use.AI and social media.
Q: Why is prevention considered essential?
A: Because many children They use apps, online games, and social networks without fully considering the consequences of sharing information. Prevention aims to reduce situations where a simple photo, a location or a message can be exploited.
Q: What concrete steps can parents take to protect their children’s data?
A: Parents are encouraged to check privacy settings, limit public sharing, teach good online practices, monitor usage without spying, and talk regularly with their children about the risks associated with… personal data and to theAI.
Q: What do we expect from digital platforms and application developers?
A: Companies are expected to strengthen the securitythat they improve the transparency on data processing, that they implement default settings to protect minors and that they limit the uses of personal data children.
Q: L’UNICEF does he consider theAI only as a threat?
A: No. The representatives of theUNICEF recalled that theAI may be beneficial for education and development childrenprovided that it is used responsibly and framed by appropriate protective measures.
Q: What will be the next steps after this meeting?
A: The authorities and theUNICEF are working on developing concrete measures: strengthened rules, programsdigital education and awareness initiatives. The PDPC and theUNICEF will continue the collaboration to define operational actions and recommendations for platforms and families.