Response to the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum Workplan 2025-26

5Rights submitted a response to the call for input on the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) Workplan 2025-26.

The draft workplan provides a solid foundation; however, 5Rights believes that it could be strengthened to address children’s safety and protections more effectively, particularly by identifying and focusing on key gaps across regulatory regimes that pose immediate risks to children.

The response outlines five areas for improvement:

• Ensure regulatory compliance meets the highest standards for children:  as the DRCF includes a number of cross-cutting digital regulatory regimes, it is crucial that all regulated services meet the highest compliance standards to prevent inconsistencies. When one regulator’s work undercuts another’s, it risks creating a ‘race to the bottom’ and weakening protections for children across all regimes.
• Address key gaps across regulatory regimes: the DRCF must address the gaps in the digital regulatory landscape where there is little regulation or clarity.  
• Align with partners to lead at the global level: since the digital world transcends borders, protecting consumers and children requires global cooperation.
• Fund independent research for effective enforcement: while the workplan emphasises joint research on AI, emerging technologies, and digital assets, independent research will also be essential to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
• Promote investment in best practices: the DRCF should actively promote best practices by implementing standards and frameworks, particularly in underfunded areas, to support compliance and encourage investment in effective protections.

While the DRCF’s work is crucial for safeguarding children’s rights online, 5Rights believes that these targeted enhancements will enable the workplan to better support children’s safety and protection.