On September 25, the Russian Internet Forum (RIF) hosted a session titled Information Hygiene: Cultivating Collective Digital Immunity. Organized by the Alliance for the Protection of Children in the Digital Environment, the discussion brought together experts from academia, online platforms, and telecom operators. They outlined the key digital risks facing children and provided parents with practical advice for the safe use of online services.
Moderator Yelizaveta Belyakova, Chair of the Alliance, opened the discussion by emphasizing that digital hygiene skills are essential not just for children, but for adults as well – including parents, teachers, cybersecurity specialists, and anyone committed to fostering a culture of responsible and safe internet use.
Andrey Vorobyev, Director of the Coordination Center, then presented several projects from the Russian ccTLD registry. These initiatives form an ecosystem of digital tools and educational programs designed for diverse audiences and skill sets. One of the first such tools, Explore the Internet & Govern It, was launched over a decade ago to help children and teenagers grasp the fundamentals of digital technology and boost their digital literacy. Vorobyev highlighted that the project's quizzes and resources have since been used by over 6 million people from most Russian regions, with its audience continuing to grow.
“Our team now provides a wide range of tools, from traditional tests to modern gamified solutions. The portfolio includes interactive online modules that blend theory and gameplay, an engaging board game, and a live quest (which, by the way, we will be hosting for the first time here at RIF on September 26). For educators, we offer vibrant comics, a unique IT lesson planner, and a professional development course titled Safeguarding Youth in the Digital World: Risk Prevention and Protection Strategies. We also engage users through an annual applied research competition and support several competitive disciplines,” he added.
The discussion participants widely emphasized the critical need to train educators and other professionals who work with children and young people in digital technology. In response to this need, the Coordination Center collaborated with the Academy of Innovative Education and Development to create the Explore the Internet School of Mentors, which has already graduated four cohorts of teachers.
“This fall, we are welcoming our fifth cohort,” explained Olga Rubtsova, Rector of the Academy. “This is a targeted intake of 160 education specialists from Kaliningrad and the Kaliningrad Region, all of whom participated in the Safer Internet Week held during the TLDCON 2025 conference.”
Other session participants included Yevgeny Rayev (Avito), Dmitry Kirillov (Megafon), Andrey Bogdantsev (Konstantin Ushinsky Academy of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education), and Artur Kolomiets (Inssmart).
The discussion on building our digital immunity continues. Stay tuned for more insights from RIF 2025!
