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Adriana Gomes Neves

Facultad de Derecho - Universidad de Valparaíso - Chile

Se concluye que la protección digital de la infancia y adolescencia requiere un equilibrio entre innovación tecnológica, regulación jurídica y respeto a los derechos fundamentales, mediante una actuación coordinada entre gobiernos, sector privado, escuelas, familias y los propios menores como agentes activos en la construcción de un entorno digital más seguro e inclusivo.

Palabras claves:

Derechos del niño, Protección digital, Infancia y adolescencia, Riesgos en línea.

Abstract:

This article critically analyzes the digital protection of children and ado-lescents from a global perspective, with emphasis on the rights recognized in childhood, emerging risks in digital environments, and contemporary regulatory challenges.

Given the growing presence of minors on digital platforms —such as social networks, online games, and applications based on algorithms and artificial intelligence— it becomes urgent to ensure their privacy, safety, and meaningful participation in decisions that affect them.

The analysis is grounded in the international legal framework, especially the Conventionon the Rights of the Child, examining how different coun-tries have responded to the digitalization of childhood. Risks such as the improper exposure of personal data —including through parental practices likes sharenting—, grooming, cyberbullying, unauthorized use of images, deepfakes, and the impacts of algorithmic surveillance are discussed.

The article also examines recent legal measures such as increasing the minimum age to access social media, the introduction of age assurance me-chanisms, holding digital platforms accountable, and banning the automated collection of minors’ data. These responses reflect an attempt to balance digital freedom with the protection of fundamental rights.