GS Paper III
News Excerpt:
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, unveiled a set of principles aimed at curbing the spread of online misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.
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What are the UN’s Global Principles?
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More About News:
A set of principles Titled, The ‘United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity’, are designed to address the widespread harm caused by false information on digital platforms, the international body.
Digital platforms fuelling misinformation crisis?
- The UN chief emphasised that the threats to information integrity are not new but are now spreading at unprecedented speeds due to digital platforms and artificial intelligence technologies.
- The rise of misinformation and hate speech online has fuelled prejudice, exacerbated conflicts, demonised minorities, and undermined the integrity of elections.
- False narratives and distortions breed cynicism, disbelief, and disengagement, undermining social cohesion and impeding progress on Sustainable Development Goals.
- The impact of opaque algorithms that create information bubbles and reinforce prejudices, including racism, misogyny, and various forms of discrimination.
- Noting that vulnerable groups such as women, refugees, migrants, and minorities are often targeted, and activists, researchers, and leaders face harassment and humiliation.
- Misinformation spreads about critical issues like vaccines and medical treatments further adding to the problems of humanitarian relief. Citing examples of the challenges faced by the UN, the international body noted that misinformation and conspiracy theories have affected its operations as well.
UN appeals to various actors to protect information integrity
- The UN Secretary-General addressed advertisers and the PR industry, urging them to:
- Stop monetizing harmful content
- Strengthen information integrity
- Protect their brands
- Boost their bottom lines
- Climate crisis is highlighted as a particular concern, with coordinated disinformation campaigns undermining climate action.
- Creatives are advised not to use their talents for greenwashing.
- PR agencies are urged to seek clients who do not mislead people or harm the planet.
- Media outlets are encouraged to:
- Raise and enforce editorial standards
- Provide quality journalism based on facts and reality
- Find advertisers who are part of the solution, not the problem.
- The overall message emphasizes the responsibility of various actors in the media and advertising industries to combat misinformation and promote truthful, responsible content.
- The UN Secretary-General called on governments around the world to commit to creating and maintaining a free, viable, independent, and plural media landscape.
- He emphasized the need to guarantee strong protections for journalists, ensure regulations uphold human rights, refrain from drastic measures such as blanket internet shutdowns, and respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
- The UN Secretary-General encouraged people to demand accountability, choice, and control over their information environments, emphasizing that those who seek change are the majority.
- He expressed optimism, stating, "This is a fight we can win together." The Secretary-General stressed that everyone should be able to express themselves freely without fear of attack.
- He also advocated for freedom from algorithmic manipulation that tracks behavior, collects personal data, and keeps people hooked.
Conclusion:
Hence, The UN's announcement of 'Global Principles' to combat online misinformation and hate speech is an important step toward addressing the growing issues posed by digital platforms. These principles highlight the importance of coordinated international efforts to protect digital spaces from harmful content while still protecting human rights, such as freedom of expression and the right to knowledge.The UN's goal in building a framework for cooperation among governments, IT corporations, civil society, and other stakeholders is to promote responsible digital citizenship and alleviate the detrimental effects of disinformation and hate speech on societies globally.
