Online Safety: Artificial Intelligence, Social Media and Suicide Prevention

Online Safety: Artificial Intelligence, Social Media and Suicide Prevention

Digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly transforming the way individuals seek information, communicate, and access support. For people experiencing suicidal ideation or emotional distress, online platforms and AI-enabled tools are increasingly becoming first points of contact and opportunities for connection.

While these technologies offer significant opportunities for earlier detection of risk, improved access to support, and innovative prevention approaches, they also present substantial ethical, safety, and governance challenges. Ensuring that AI systems and social media platforms respond safely and responsibly to users experiencing distress is now a global public health priority.

At the same time, the broader digital safety landscape is changing rapidly. Generative AI is accelerating both the opportunities and risks that vulnerable individuals and young people face online. Across the world, people are navigating digital environments that were not designed with their wellbeing and safety in mind. There is a growing consensus among policy makers, civil society and the research community that safety by design must be embedded in all levels of digital development and governance.

The purpose of this event is to:

  • Position suicide prevention as a critical component of global conversations on AI governance and online safety
  • Highlight emerging evidence and good practice in AI-enabled suicide prevention and risk detection
  • Explore the responsibilities of AI developers and digital platforms in safeguarding vulnerable users
  • Amplify the voices of young people and those with lived experience.
  • Promote global principles and best practices for ethical, safe, and equitable digital innovation
  • Strengthen collaboration between governments, global health agencies, civil society, and technology companies.

Date: Wednesday 20 May 2026

Time: 12:00–13:30

Venue: The Warwick Hotel, Rue de Lausanne 14, 1201 Genève, Switzerland

Please use this link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZrJRxEGqLtQ72vqWKzadhiovWOqvppLy_YlhRkaLBmSOxBg/viewform