The alarm about the potential threat created by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) should not obscure the damage already caused by digital technologies. allow the spread of hate speech online, as well as misinformation and misinformationhe say.
The policy brief argues that they should be indispensable players in maintaining the accuracy, consistency and reliability of information shared by users.
“My hope is that it will provide a the gold standard to guide actions to enhance information integrityhe wrote in the introduction.
Connect and share
Digital platforms – including social media channels, search engines and messaging apps – are connecting billions of people around the planet, with around three billion Facebook users.
They have it come with alot of profit, from supporting communities in times of crisis and struggle, to helping mobilize global movements for racial equity and gender equality. They are also used by the United Nations to engage people worldwide to pursue peace, dignity and human rights on a healthy planet.
However, it is these digital platforms that are being abused to subvert science and spreading misinformation and hatred, fueling conflict, threatening democracy and human rights, and undermining public health and climate action.
“Some of our UN peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid operations have been targeted, making their jobs more dangerous,” he said. speak.
Deceptive, dangerous and deadly
Although disinformation, disinformation, and hate speech are related and overlap, they are separate phenomena.
Hate speech refers to abusive or threatening language toward a group or person, simply because of their race, color, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or similar reasons.
The difference between misinformation and misinformation is intent, although the difference can be difficult to pin down. In general, disinformation refers to the unintentional spread of incorrect information, while disinformation is not only inaccurate but also intended to deceive.
Regardless, they all prove dangerous and even deadly.
“Although the traditional media remains an important source of news for most people in conflict zones, Hate spreading on digital platforms has also sparked and fueled violence, the report said. “Several digital platforms have faced criticism for their role in conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.”
Adolescent girls use cell phones and tablets in Za’atari camp for Syrian refugees (file).
Safer digital space
Faced with the threat, the Secretary-General called for international coordination of action to make the digital space safer and more inclusive while protecting human rights.
Constructive responses have largely been missing. Some tech companies did too little to prevent their platforms from contributing to the spread of violence and hatred, while Governments sometimes resort to Strong measures – including shutting down and banning the internet – without any legal basis and violating human rights.
behavior rules
The report provides a framework for global action through a Code of Conduct for the Integrity of Information on Digital Platforms, outlining potential safeguards while safeguarding liberties. speech and information.
It will be built on principles including respecting human rights, supporting independent media, increasing transparency, empowering users, and increasing research and data access.
The Secretary-General also makes informational recommendations for the Code of Conduct.
These include calls on the Government, technology companies and other stakeholders not to use, support or amplify disinformation and hate speech for any purpose.
Governments should also ensure a free, viable, independent and diverse media landscape, with strong protections for journalists.
Meanwhile, digital platforms must ensure safety and privacy by design in all products, in addition to consistent application of policies and resources across countries and languages. .
He added, all stakeholders should take urgent and immediate measures to ensure that all AI applications are safe, secure, responsible and ethical, and compliant. human rights obligations.
Advertisers and digital platforms should ensure that ads are not placed next to false or misleading information or hate speech onlineand ads containing false information are not promoted.
Our common future
The policy summary is the latest in a series of 11 reports based on suggestions contained in Our Common AgendaThe Secretary-General’s 2021 report outlines a vision for future global cooperation and multilateral action.
They are intended to inform previous discussions SDG . Summit in September, mark the midpoint to reach Sustainable development goals to 2030 and related issues Summit of the Future next year.
