A Teen Voice for Global Digital Safety: Tarangini Sharma at the UNHRC

Imagine being just 14 years old and addressing one of the most important human rights bodies in the world. That's exactly what Tarangini Sharma, a vibrant youth advocate from India, did when she stepped onto the global stage at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. Her voice, representing Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan (RSKS India), carried a powerful and urgent message on global digital safety – a topic that, let's be honest, impacts us all in this increasingly connected world.

On September 25, 2026, during an Interactive Dialogue with the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, Tarangini didn't shy away from tackling some of the darkest corners of the internet. Her virtual intervention was a direct call to action against the pervasive and deeply damaging issues of abusive deepfakes and non-consensual intimate imagery. She painted a stark picture of the digital risks young people, especially girls and women, face daily.

Her advocacy wasn't just about identifying problems; it was brimming with practical, forward-thinking solutions. Tarangini passionately argued for "safety-by-design," meaning that digital safety shouldn't be an afterthought, a patch-up job. Instead, it needs to be an inherent part of technology from its very inception. Think about it: designing safety into our digital tools from day one, from the algorithms to the user interfaces. She stressed the absolute necessity of global standards that would compel digital platforms and AI developers to embed this safety-first approach universally.

Then there's the critical issue of reporting. How often do we hear about difficult, slow, or ineffective reporting mechanisms? Tarangini’s plea was for rapid, multilingual reporting systems, crucially backed by trained human reviewers. Because, let’s face it, algorithms can only do so much; a human touch is often essential for true understanding and empathy. Beyond reporting, she called for independent gender-impact audits of algorithms. This is a game-changer, ensuring that the technology we use doesn't inadvertently perpetuate or even amplify existing biases against women.

But her vision extended further, urging States to establish specialised cyber-violence units. These units would be dedicated to tackling digital harm, offering expert support and a clear path for justice. She also highlighted the complex challenge of cross-border digital evidence, advocating for strengthened mechanisms to preserve it – a crucial step when crimes transcend national boundaries. And, perhaps most poignantly, Tarangini demanded guaranteed, timely legal, psychosocial, and emergency assistance for survivors. Because recovery isn't just about prosecution; it's about holistic support for those who have been harmed.

Finally, in a move that truly encapsulates the spirit of innovation and empowerment, Tarangini proposed a global innovation fund. This fund would specifically support women-led organizations dedicated to developing accessible safety solutions for vulnerable women. It’s a brilliant idea, really, harnessing the insights and ingenuity of those most affected to create solutions that genuinely work.

Tarangini Sharma's address at the UNHRC wasn't just another speech; it was a powerful, eloquent, and deeply personal appeal from a young advocate who truly understands the digital world and its dangers. Her clear, actionable recommendations offer a roadmap for a safer, more equitable digital future for everyone. It’s a testament to the fact that age is just a number when it comes to advocating for fundamental human rights in the digital age.