Prince Harry Sounds Alarm on Online Disinformation During Colombia Visit, Emphasizing Real-World Consequences
BOGOTÁ, Colombia – Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, delivered a stark warning about the pervasive dangers of online disinformation during a four-day visit to Colombia, highlighting the rapid and tangible impact of online falsehoods on real-world events. Speaking at a summit on digital responsibility in Bogotá, the Duke emphasized the urgency of addressing the spread of misinformation, particularly through artificial intelligence and social media platforms, stressing that the consequences of online lies translate into real-world actions. While refraining from naming specific platforms, the Duke’s remarks followed recent criticism of tech figures like Elon Musk and various social media companies in the wake of far-right unrest in the UK.
The Duke’s visit to Colombia, alongside his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, was undertaken at the invitation of Colombian Vice-President Francia Márquez, who expressed her admiration for the couple’s work and their Netflix docuseries. Márquez underscored the significance of the Duchess’s visit, particularly for women around the world, noting that she had previously invited Meghan to participate in the annual "Day of Afro-descendant Women" commemorated on July 25th. Although the Duchess was unable to attend at that time, Márquez reiterated her eagerness to welcome the couple to Colombia.
During the summit, organized in part by the Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation, Prince Harry addressed experts and emphasized the erosion of social cohesion caused by the unchecked spread of lies, abuse, and harassment online. He called for greater accountability from individuals in positions of influence, stating that the debate was no longer about facts but about the deliberate dissemination of falsehoods. The Duke’s impassioned plea underscored the pressing need for responsible digital engagement and the imperative to combat the destructive effects of online misinformation.
The Sussexes’ Colombia visit, echoing the format of official royal engagements, included stops in Cartagena and Cali, culminating in attendance at the Petronio Álvarez festival, a vibrant celebration of Afro-Colombian music and culture. Their first day in Bogotá was marked by a visit to a local school, where they engaged with teenagers in a session on online safety, participated in a cultural showcase, and attended the aforementioned summit on digital responsibility.
While the specifics of the trip’s funding remain unconfirmed, the couple received a full security detail in Colombia, a contrast to their reduced security arrangements in the UK following their departure from royal duties in 2020. This visit marks the Sussexes’ third international trip this year, following visits to Nigeria in May and Jamaica in January, demonstrating their continued commitment to global engagement.
The Duke’s emphasis on the tangible consequences of online disinformation serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for greater responsibility and accountability within the digital sphere. His call for action underscores the importance of addressing the spread of misinformation, not only to protect individuals from online harm but also to safeguard the very fabric of social cohesion. The Sussexes’ visit to Colombia, marked by their commitment to promoting digital responsibility and engaging with local communities, reflects their ongoing dedication to utilizing their platform for positive global impact. Their participation in events like the Petronio Álvarez festival further demonstrates their appreciation for cultural diversity and their willingness to connect with people from all walks of life. The Colombia visit underscores their continued evolution as global figures dedicated to advocating for meaningful change in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.