Microsoft Highlights Online Risks on Safer Internet Day
On the occasion of Safer Internet Day, Microsoft is warning about increasingly significant risks in the digital environment and highlighting its long-standing commitment to the “safety by design” approach – especially at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way children and young people use digital technologies across the Adriatic region.
The latest results of the Global Online Safety Survey, conducted for the tenth consecutive year, show that users today feel more connected and productive than ever before. At the same time, digital risks continue to rise, with teenagers standing out as one of the most exposed groups.
The research shows that hate speech (35%), online scams and phishing messages (29%), and cyberbullying (23%) remain among the most common online threats. Particularly concerning is the decline in users’ confidence in their ability to recognize AI‑generated content – the share of those who believe they can identify deepfake materials has dropped from 46% to just 25%. More than half of victims of online scams also believe that artificial intelligence played a role in the attack.
On the other hand, there are encouraging indicators showing that young people are developing greater resilience and awareness of online risks. As many as 72% of teenagers spoke with parents, friends, or teachers after experiencing an unpleasant or risky online situation, while reporting rates of inappropriate content and behavior have been increasing year after year. These trends clearly highlight the importance of education, community involvement, and responsible technology development in creating a safer digital environment.
“The digital world offers children and young people great opportunities, but also new and increasingly complex risks. That’s why Microsoft builds safety into the design of our products and services – from tools like Windows Family Safety and Xbox safety features to educational content such as the Minecraft Education CyberSafe world ‘Bad Connection?’. Our goal, in cooperation with families and educators, is to help young people develop digital skills, critical thinking, and the confidence needed for safe and responsible participation in the digital environment,” said Tomislav Vračić, Regional Technology Officer for Microsoft Southern Europe.
Throughout 2026, Microsoft will continue collaborating with the public sector, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and industry partners to further strengthen digital skills, promote responsible use of artificial intelligence, and contribute to the development of safer and more inclusive online spaces.
Safer Internet Day once again reminds us that creating a safer digital future is a shared responsibility – one that requires cooperation, continuous education, and technology designed with people at the center.
Top image: Microsoft’s latest Global Online Safety Survey shows that while people—especially teenagers—feel more connected than ever, online risks such as hate speech, scams, cyberbullying and AI‑generated deepfakes are rapidly increasing. On Safer Internet Day 2026, Microsoft highlights its long‑term “safety by design” approach and ongoing collaboration with families, educators and institutions to build safer, more resilient and inclusive digital environments for young people. Image courtesy of Microsoft.