The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) announced on April 23 that nearly 58 percent of girls and adolescents in Peru use the internet daily, with a focus on educational activities. This information was released as part of the International Girls in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Day, which is observed every April 23.
The announcement underscores both progress and challenges in ensuring safe digital access for young people. The MTC said that while digital inclusion is advancing, there are growing concerns about online safety for girls and adolescents. According to recent data from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics, 65 percent of Peruvian girls aged six to eleven accessed the internet during the last quarter of 2025.
The Consultative Council for Radio and Television reported that most girls use the internet primarily for schoolwork (70 percent), but also engage with social networks (41 percent). However, risks remain: “35% of girls and adolescents keep their social media profiles public and 43% do not know all their contacts, increasing vulnerability to threats such as cyberbullying, grooming, and inappropriate content,” according to official figures. Only about half receive guidance on critical or safe digital media usage.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, said: “the digital transformation driven by artificial intelligence must be inclusive under the theme ‘AI for development: girls shape the digital future.'” The MTC also recognizes “the key role played by media outlets not only as disseminators but also as agents who can help close gaps, promote critical thinking, and highlight role models who inspire more girls to pursue science and technology.” Globally, only about thirty percent of professionals in artificial intelligence are women.
According to its official website, the Ministry supports cultural and social wellbeing by improving national connectivity through enhanced transport and communications infrastructure. It operates service centers like MAC Lima Este and MAC Lima Sur to improve public access across Peru. As part of Peru’s executive branch since its establishment in 1969,the Ministry regulates transport and communications sectors under ministerial guidance. Its efforts aim at delivering safe, sustainable infrastructure that promotes national integration using multimodal approaches.
Looking ahead, officials say strengthening support systems will be essential so that more Peruvian girls can benefit safely from new technologies.
