Ankara: Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan on Wednesday hosted the spouses of leaders attending the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in the Turkish capital. The gathering took place at the Cankaya Mansion, where the guests participated in a roundtable discussion titled 'Children, Technology and Security: Protecting the Next Generation.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan emphasized the importance of prioritizing child safety as a fundamental design principle on digital platforms. She advocated for transparency in technological practices, urging that the "black box of algorithms" be opened for scrutiny, and called for technology companies to undergo independent audits regarding the social impact of their products.

Erdogan highlighted the need for government involvement in regulating children's exposure to digital platforms, arguing that companies primarily answer to shareholders, whereas states have a responsibility to protect their citizens. She underscored Turkey's commitment to this cause through its international initiative, Children's Rights in the Digital World, and domestic policies enforcing age verification and parental controls on social media for children under 15.

Erdogan clarified that the objective is not to restrict children from accessing technological advancements, but to ensure these advancements align with their dignity, safety, and developmental needs. The discussion also saw contributions from several leaders' spouses, including Brigitte Macron from France and Olena Zelenska from Ukraine, as well as representatives from various other countries and the EU Commission.

After the roundtable, Erdogan hosted a luncheon featuring traditional Turkish cuisine. The event concluded with attendees viewing an exhibition showcasing Turkish cultural heritage through fabrics, embroidery, and handicrafts. The program wrapped up with a family photo, and Erdogan personally bid farewell to each guest.