Episode 12: Online Safety Laws by Country - The Global Map of Digital Survival

Podcast Description As children and families spend more time online, the risks they face—from data breaches and cyberattacks to online exploitation—are growing at an unprecedented rate. In this episode, we translate the research behind Online Safety Laws by Country into an accessible conversation for nonprofit leaders, practitioners, and policymakers. Drawing on a global review of online safety and data protection laws, the episode explores how governments around the world are responding to threats such as cybercrime, misuse of personal data, and the increasing vulnerability of children in digital spaces. The discussion highlights key differences across regions, including the European Union’s leadership through GDPR, varied approaches in North America, emerging legislation across Africa and Asia, and gaps in protections in parts of Central and South America. Particular attention is given to laws designed to safeguard children online, including protections against data misuse, harmful content, and digital exploitation. The episode also examines where current policies fall short and what these gaps mean for nonprofits working with children, families, and communities in an increasingly digital world. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of the global policy landscape and practical insights into why online protection laws matter for mission-driven organizations operating across borders. This podcast episode is based on the September 2023 Journal of Nonprofit Innovation article, “Online Safety Laws by Country,” and explores global online protection and data privacy laws affecting children, families, and digital communities. Because this research reflects the legal landscape as of 2023, listeners should note that additional laws or policy updates may have been introduced since its publication. Based on Artice: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/joni/vol3/iss3/3/