Evian, June 17 -- In a landmark move to safeguard the next generation, G7 leaders joined by partners including India, Brazil, Egypt, Kenya, and the Republic of Korea, issued a unified declaration on Wednesday, demanding an immediate overhaul of how the digital world treats children and youth under 18.

The initiative underscores the dual nature of digital technology, acknowledging its potential to expand access to education and healthcare while warning of serious risks, including exposure to illegal content, interactions that damage mental health, and platform features designed to maximise compulsive behaviour.

The core of the new commitment is a demand for "safety-by-design." Leaders urged digital service providers to stop treating safe...