Who Knows More About You Than You Do?

Imagine an app that knows when you’re sad, lonely, or lacking confidence – and then shows you ads, videos, or “solutions” at just the right moment. Sounds like science fiction, but AI already does this. Often without us knowing who uses our data and why.

The right to privacy, data protection, and informed consent also apply online. This isn’t just some EU bureaucracy. These are rights that protect your digital identity – keeping it yours, not someone else’s product.

Opportunities and Risks: AI Can Help – Or Leave You Out

AI can be a great tool – easier access to knowledge, personalized learning, mental health support… But there’s a flip side: AI can unintentionally discriminate. If it learns from biased data, it will continue to reproduce that bias.

That means not all young people will have the same opportunities, especially those from marginalized or digitally disconnected communities.

So, What Can We Do?

More than you think. Here are a few first steps to protect yourself and use AI responsibly in the future:

• Learn about your digital rights – start with knowing that, in the EU, you have the right to ask what AI knows about you.

• Ask questions – don’t be afraid to challenge with “Who made this algorithm?” or “Why am I seeing this?”

• Get involved – more and more youth are participating in projects where they test AI tools and give feedback. You could be one of them!

• Support AI with a purpose – if you see a project using AI for mental health, fighting hate speech, or better education, back it up!

AI isn’t the future. It’s the present. And it’s our responsibility to make it fair.

Young people aren’t just users of technology – we are the ones who need a voice in how it’s used. Because when algorithms start influencing our emotions, opportunities, and lives – this isn’t a tech issue. It’s a human rights issue.

The Role of Education: Digital Literacy as a Right

One of the most powerful tools we can use to protect youth rights in the age of AI is education. Unfortunately, many educational systems still don’t include comprehensive digital literacy or critical thinking about technology. If young people aren’t taught how AI works, how data is used, and what digital rights are, they remain vulnerable.

Digital literacy is no longer optional — it’s essential. It should be a basic right for all young people, just like access to water, education, or healthcare. From understanding terms of service on apps to recognizing bias in content, digital education empowers youth to engage safely and meaningfully online.

Youth Participation in AI Policy

Another key aspect of youth rights in relation to AI is participation. Young people are rarely consulted when tech companies, governments, or institutions make decisions about how AI is designed and used. Yet, they are among the most affected.

That needs to change. Across Europe and beyond, we’re seeing promising initiatives where youth councils, hackathons, and civic tech projects include young people in the conversation. This needs to become the rule — not the exception. Youth voices bring unique insights that can make AI more ethical, fair, and inclusive.

Protecting Mental Health in the Digital Age

There’s growing concern about how AI-driven content affects mental health, especially among teenagers. From endless comparison culture on social media to doom-scrolling negative news, the effects can be severe. Algorithms optimize for attention — not wellbeing.

That’s why human rights in the digital age must also include mental health protections. Social platforms and tech developers should be held accountable when their tools cause harm, especially to vulnerable users. Youth-friendly policies, digital detox education, and ethical design are part of the solution.

Youth Rights Are Not Optional

AI is evolving fast, and with it, so are the challenges. But one thing should never change: our commitment to human rights — including youth rights — in every digital interaction.

It’s time to stop thinking of AI as something distant or “too technical.” It’s already shaping our realities. Youth need a seat at the table, a voice in the debate, and the tools to protect their dignity, privacy, and future.

Remember: technology may be created by code, but society is shaped by people. And young people deserve to shape both.