The Intervention Journey A Roadmap to Effective Digital Safety Measures 2025

Identification BOX 1 Key considerations –What are the geographic, cultural or regulatory factors that could influence risk levels? –Which groups or segments are most vulnerable to these risks, and have individuals with lived experiences been consulted? –What functionalities or services in the platform may contribute to potential harms? –What previous incidents or patterns of harm have been encountered, and what were their causes? –Are there any external factors, such as ecosystem influences or off-platform risks, that should be considered? –What resources, partnerships or tools are available to help address these risks? When designing digital safety interventions, user protection should be a priority from the very beginning. The principles of Safety by Design ensure that protective measures are woven into the fabric of a product or service. This approach helps prevent potential harms before they arise but also reinforces user trust by embedding safety throughout the entire development process. It is also key to embed safety into the culture and leadership of an organization, cultivating accountability and aiming to create more positive, civil and rewarding online experiences for everyone.2 The three principles that Safety by Design is built upon are: service provider responsibility, user empowerment and autonomy, and transparency and accountability. 1 Service provider responsibility: Requiring organizations to take proactive steps in anticipating and mitigating potential risks before they impact users 2 User empowerment and autonomy: Providing users with clear age-appropriate options and controls over their online experiences, enabling them to make informed decisions about their privacy, security and interactions, and designing features and functionality that preserve fundamental consumer and human rights, including the right to safety3 Transparency and accountability: Involving open communication around the risks, processes and policies associated with a digital product or service, allowing users to make informed choices and accurate assessments of what is working Accountability, on the other hand, ensures that organizations are responsible for the safety of their platforms and their impact on users and vulnerable non-user groups.3 Each principle encompasses multiple steps that organizations should take to preserve safety during the development process. Implementing Safety by Design principles is not without its challenges. One significant obstacle is the potential conflict between safety measures and other business objectives, such as maximizing user engagement or revenue generation. For example, stricter safety controls may limit certain functionalities that are popular among users. Additionally, embedding safety from the outset can be resource-intensive, requiring significant investment in research, development and ongoing management. Despite these challenges, the importance of Safety by Design cannot be overstated. By embedding these principles into the very core of their operations, organizations can not only protect their users but also build a more resilient and trustworthy digital ecosystem while contributing to brand safety, ad revenue and user retention.1.2 Design Design BOX 2 Key considerations –Is the intervention scalable and adaptable to future risks or growing user bases? –Is the intervention aimed at prevention, mitigation, detection or response? –How can the intervention’s design balance user privacy with safety measures? –Are there internal resources (e.g. staff, technology, expertise) to develop and implement the desired intervention? –How will user trust be built and transparency around how the intervention works ensured? –How will the effectiveness of the intervention be evaluated over time? The Intervention Journey: A Roadmap to Effective Digital Safety Measures 9