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UNICEF AI for Children

UNICEF Policy Guidance on AI for Children (Version 3.0)

Most specific international guidance on children and AI. Ten requirements for child-centered AI including development/wellbeing support, data/privacy protection, and safety.

Jurisdiction

International

Enacted

Pending

Effective

Dec 1, 2025

Enforcement

TBD

UNICEF

Why It Matters

Most detailed children + AI guidance. Increasingly referenced in regulations. Version 3.0 covers generative AI.

At a Glance

Harms addressed

Who Must Comply

  • AI developers, deployers, governments (voluntary)

Safety Provisions

  • Requirement 1: Support children's development and wellbeing
  • Requirement 2: Ensure inclusion
  • Requirement 3: Prioritize fairness and non-discrimination
  • Requirement 4: Protect children's data and privacy
  • Requirement 5: Ensure safety for children
  • Requirement 6: Provide transparency, explainability, accountability
  • Requirement 7: Empower governments and businesses
  • Requirement 8: Prepare children for AI
  • Requirement 9: Create enabling environment
  • Requirement 10: Collaborate globally (added in v3.0)

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International

Focus Areas

Mental health & crisis
Child safety

Cite This

APA

International. (2025). UNICEF Policy Guidance on AI for Children (Version 3.0).

Related Regulations

In Effect INT

UN/ITU AI & Child Rights Statement

Non-binding multilateral statement signed by thirteen UN and international organisations setting out principles for protecting children's rights in the design, deployment, and governance of AI systems, including provisions on harmful content, age assurance, transparency, and child-rights impact assessments.

In Effect INTL

ISO 42001

First certifiable international standard for AI management systems. Uses Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology. Third-party certification available; major AI systems have achieved certification.

In Effect INTL

ISO 23894

AI risk management guidance complementing ISO 31000. Lifecycle risk management; audit/procurement language.

Enacted US-VT

VT AADC

Vermont design code structured to be more litigation-resistant: focuses on data processing harms rather than content-based restrictions. AG rulemaking authority begins July 2025.

Pending US-FL

FL Companion AI Age Verification

Standalone bill requiring age verification for ALL users (adults and minors) before accessing companion AI chatbots. Requires user account creation, confidential age verification, notifications that user is interacting with AI, and specific actions when user is determined to be a minor including potential access blocking.

In Effect US

White House AI Legislative Framework

Non-binding White House framework outlining seven legislative pillars for Congress, including child safety protections, federal preemption of state AI laws, liability limitations for AI developers, intellectual property protections, free speech safeguards, AI infrastructure investment, and workforce development. Calls for a unified national standard superseding state AI regulations while preserving state child safety, consumer protection, and anti-fraud laws.

Last updated January 22, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.