UN chief António Guterres stressed on Monday that the world must address the “grave global harm” caused by the proliferation of hate and lies in the digital space.
In his remarks at the launch of his report into information integrity on digital platforms, he said: "Alarm over the potential threat posed by the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence must not obscure the damage already being done by digital technologies that enable the spread of online hate speech, mis- and disinformation."
He continued: "Digital platforms have brought many benefits, supporting communities in times of crisis and struggle, elevating marginalized voices and helping to mobilize global movements for racial justice and gender equality. They help the UN to engage people around the world in pursuit of peace, dignity and human rights on a healthy planet."
He also noted that, however, these same digital platforms are being misused to subvert science and spread disinformation and hate to billions of people, fueling conflict, threatening democracy and human rights, and undermining public health and climate action.
In this regard, he affirmed the need for coordinated international action to make the digital space safer and more inclusive while vigorously protecting human rights.
Moreover, Guterres explained that the policy brief puts forward the framework for a concerted global response though a Code of Conduct for information integrity on digital platforms, outlining potential guardrails to contain this runaway threat while safeguarding freedom of expression and information.
It includes the following proposals to be built on in a Code of Conduct:
Governments, tech companies and other stakeholders should refrain from using, supporting, or amplifying disinformation and hate speech for any purpose.
Governments should guarantee a free, viable, independent, and plural media landscape, with strong protections for journalists.
Digital platforms should ensure safety and privacy by design in all products, alongside consistent application of policies and resources across countries and languages.
All stakeholders should take urgent and immediate measures to ensure that all AI applications are safe, secure, responsible and ethical, and comply with human rights obligations.
Tech companies should move away from business models that prioritize engagement above human rights, privacy, and safety.
Advertisers and digital platforms should ensure that ads are not placed next to online mis- or disinformation or hate speech, and that ads containing disinformation are not promoted.
Digital platforms should ensure meaningful transparency and allow researchers and academics access to data, while respecting user privacy.
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