LCH Masterclass | International Law and the Governance of the Internet: Youth Engagement and the Development of Global Digital Norms

Should social media bans for young people be the default response to online risk? The next Lodz Cyber Hub Masterclass challenges that assumption — and the regulatory logic behind it.

On 8 May 2026, we welcome Dr. Natálie Terčová for a lecture exploring how international law frames young people in the digital environment: not only as subjects requiring protection, but as rights-holders entitled to access, participation, and expression. The session draws a critical distinction between risk and harm — and asks what it means for digital governance that most young users encounter potentially harmful content online, yet only some experience negative outcomes.

The lecture will examine why age restrictions and platform bans, however well-intentioned, may fail to reflect the nuanced reality of young people's online experiences — and what a more targeted, evidence-based, and rights-compatible regulatory approach would look like.

About the speaker

PhDr. Mgr. Natálie Terčová, Ph.D. is a researcher specialising in end users and the impact of digital technologies on their experiences. With an interdisciplinary background spanning media studies and counselling, her work bridges empirical research, user experience, and digital policy. Her research has addressed online safety, digital literacy, and child sexual abuse material (CSAM), as well as the broader relationship between online risks and user outcomes. Alongside her research, Dr. Terčová contributes to internet governance processes at European and global levels. She serves as the European representative on ICANN's At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) and its Leadership Team, and as Chair of IGF Czechia.

This Masterclass is part of the ongoing Lodz Cyber Hub Masterclass series, which brings leading practitioners and researchers to Lodz to strengthen knowledge of international law, cybersecurity, and internet governance among students and early-career researchers.

This event is supported by the EURALO Community Regional Outreach Program (CROP).