GCF Foundation Launches Child Protection In Cyberspace Index To Enhance Global Safety Initiatives

The Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) Foundation has introduced the "Child Protection in Cyberspace Index" in partnership with the DQ Institute and other international organisations. This initiative aligns with the strategic goals set by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. It aims to enhance collaboration and unite global efforts to raise awareness about the growing threats children face online.

During the GCF 2025 event in Riyadh, the foundation revealed this index as a tool to measure progress in creating a safer online environment for children. It offers decision-makers practical insights to improve child protection in cyberspace. The index is based on a comprehensive measurement methodology, providing a global perspective on child safety online.

The Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) initiative has ambitious global objectives. It aims to reach over 150 million children worldwide, develop cyber safety skills for more than 16 million beneficiaries, and support frameworks addressing cyber threats to children in over 50 countries. This initiative is crucial due to increasing global threats and limited preparedness at the national level.

In July 2025, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution proposed by Saudi Arabia regarding child protection online. This resolution reflects the strategic goals of HRH the Crown Prince's global initiative and underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to ensuring children's safety online worldwide.

The GCF Foundation was established in 2023 through a royal order as an independent institution with a global focus. Its primary responsibility includes overseeing HRH the Crown Prince's two global initiatives. The foundation aims to unify efforts among stakeholders worldwide by fostering partnerships, cooperation, and experience exchange.

Additionally, it encourages dialogue among cybersecurity experts on topics related to child protection and women's empowerment, supporting economic and social development globally. The foundation collaborates with various international partners to implement national frameworks, guidelines, and projects developed from its integrated strategy.

Comprehensive Study Highlights Urgency

A recent global study conducted by GCF highlighted the urgent need for child protection online. Involving over 40,000 participants from 24 countries across six regions, this study provided a comprehensive understanding of international needs. It led to developing an integrated strategy that established national frameworks and guidelines for child protection online.

The GCF Foundation has partnered with UNICEF to launch a program enhancing child protection online. As part of this initiative, they support helplines for children in over 30 countries and aim to develop training frameworks for more than five million parents and caregivers on cyber safety essentials for children.

This collaborative effort seeks to strengthen global responses through international cooperation as a strategic tool addressing vital issues related to child protection online. By uniting international efforts, it aims to raise awareness among decision-makers about increasing threats faced by children in cyberspace.

With inputs from SPA