Global Survey Reveals Widespread Concern Over Online Disinformation’s Impact on Politics
A recent global survey commissioned by UNESCO reveals a growing apprehension about the pervasive influence of online disinformation, with more than 85% of respondents expressing concern over its impact and 87% believing it has already negatively affected their country’s political landscape. This anxiety comes as the United Nations unveils a comprehensive plan to combat the spread of false information and hate speech online. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay highlighted the urgent need for regulation to safeguard access to accurate information while upholding freedom of expression and human rights.
The survey, conducted by Ipsos across 16 countries representing 2.5 billion voters slated to participate in upcoming elections, underscores the escalating need for effective regulatory measures. It found that social media platforms serve as the primary news source for 56% of internet users, surpassing traditional media like television (44%) and news websites (29%). Paradoxically, despite being the dominant news source, trust in social media information lags significantly behind traditional outlets. This reliance on social media, coupled with lower trust, creates a fertile ground for disinformation to take root and spread rapidly.
The survey highlights social media as the most prominent breeding ground for fake news, with 68% of respondents identifying it as the primary source. This perception holds true across countries, demographics, and political affiliations. Disinformation is widely viewed as a tangible threat to democratic processes, fueling anxieties about its influence on elections. Respondents overwhelmingly support government and regulatory intervention to counter the spread of disinformation and hate speech, with 88% and 90% respectively calling for action from authorities and online platforms.
UNESCO’s proposed plan for tackling online disinformation is based on seven key principles and emerged from an extensive consultation process involving contributions from over 134 countries. The plan advocates for the establishment of independent and adequately resourced public regulators, emphasizing the need for close collaboration between these bodies to prevent online platforms from exploiting regulatory discrepancies between nations. Effective content moderation at scale, across all languages and regions, is paramount, alongside increased transparency and accountability concerning algorithms that often prioritize engagement over factual information.
The plan further emphasizes the importance of heightened vigilance during election campaigns and crises, advocating for risk assessments, content flagging, and greater transparency regarding political advertising. It acknowledges the existing regulatory efforts by over 50 countries, but stresses the need for alignment with international free speech and human rights standards. The guidelines offer a robust framework for governments and regulators to develop effective policies that balance the need to combat disinformation with the protection of fundamental rights.
UNESCO’s plan has garnered interest from several African and Latin American countries, and at least one major online platform has expressed support for a consistent global governance framework. This indicates a growing consensus on the need for international cooperation to address the complex challenges posed by online disinformation. The organization plans to convene a World Conference of Regulators in 2024, further underscoring its commitment to fostering a global approach to this critical issue. The seven principles outlined by UNESCO, centered on human rights considerations, will serve as a guiding compass for all decision-making processes involving stakeholders in the fight against online disinformation.