“UN Secretary-General Highlights Urgent Need to Combat Digital Misinformation with New Tactics”

UN Chief Calls for Code of Conduct to Combat Online Hate and Misinformation

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on governments, tech companies, and advertisers to coordinate their efforts to combat hate speech, lies, and dangerous AI. Guterres suggested that a code of conduct grounded in human rights and truth is a crucial first step towards a coordinated global response. The UN Chief outlined the release of principles for the UN Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms and his plans to establish scientific advisory boards that will prepare initiatives for the UN’s future response to the proliferation of false information and hate speech.

The UN Code of Conduct for Digital Platforms

The UN Code of Conduct aims to facilitate coordinated global action in the fight against hate speech, fake news, and dangerous AI. The principles of the code of conduct include commitments by governments to avoid using misinformation and hate speech to respond to legitimate comments or to ban platforms and media outlets. Guterres also called for governments to guarantee journalist’s protection and non-interference in their work. For companies that control digital platforms, transparency about algorithms and advertising to eliminate double standards for hate speech and disinformation in specific areas and languages will be essential. Tech companies are also urged to give people more control over the content they view and how their data is used.

Shared Responsibility in Combating Online Misinformation

The UN Chief’s call for cooperation follows the realization of the responsibility shared among governments, tech companies, advertisers, and individuals to combat online hate and misinformation. The proliferation of false information is driven by a business model that prioritizes engagement over privacy, truth, and protecting human rights, which fuels massive profits while endangering public safety.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Online Misinformation

AI has become a double-edged sword that holds the potential to deal with misinformation and hate speech while also amplifying it. To ensure AI applications are safe, secure, responsible, ethical, and compliant with human rights, a committed multilateral approach is necessary to respond to these challenges globally. Addressing the full potential of AI technology requires the cooperation of platforms, AI creators themselves, and individuals who have the essential scientific and technical knowledge.

A Global Approach to Online Misinformation

Guterres acknowledged that many initiatives are currently underway, including a law and code of conduct in the European Union and the UK’s upcoming AI safety summit. However, a global approach is necessary because of the speed of change and the need to respond quickly to the challenges that come with more extensive internet penetration and new innovations. Governments, tech companies, advertisers, and individuals must work together to promote truth and ensure respect for human rights.

Is a UN Code of Conduct Enough to Combat Misinformation and Hate Speech?

Although Guterres’s proposed code of conduct is a positive step, it’s uncertain whether it will prevent hateful and fake information’s spread online completely. The co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, Heidi Beirich, argues that voluntary codes have proved insufficient in stemming the spread of misinformation and hate speech. Governments will need to legislate to solve this problem, although this poses a significant challenge, given that the businesses’ profits generating misinformation and human rights infractions are often powerful.

Conclusion

A coordinated global effort is necessary to combat online hate and misinformation, which endangers public safety and undermines the credibility of information sources for all. Governments, tech companies, and advertisers are accountable for their roles in this regard, and individuals must become more discerning information consumers. Guterres’s call for a UN Code of Conduct is a critical step in this direction, but broader legislative initiatives will be necessary to achieve this goal.