UN Unveils Global Principles for Information Integrity to Combat Misinformation and Hate Speech
NEW YORK, June 24, 2024 – The United Nations has launched a comprehensive framework, the Global Principles for Information Integrity, aimed at curbing the detrimental effects of mis- and disinformation, hate speech, and other online harms. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the urgency of this initiative, emphasizing the escalating threats posed by these issues, particularly in light of the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The framework provides a roadmap for concerted international action to create safer and more humane online environments, addressing a critical challenge of our time.
The proliferation of mis- and disinformation, hate speech, and other malicious content online is increasingly fueling conflict, undermining democratic processes and human rights, and jeopardizing crucial efforts in public health and climate action. The Secretary-General highlighted the exacerbating role of readily available AI technologies in amplifying these threats, particularly for vulnerable groups like children who are often targeted in online spaces. The UN Global Principles for Information Integrity seek to empower individuals to assert their rights amidst a deluge of false narratives and manipulative information. These principles offer a clear pathway forward, grounded in fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and opinion.
The Secretary-General issued a call to action directed at governments, technology companies, advertisers, and the public relations industry, urging them to assume responsibility for the spread and monetization of harmful content. The UN itself acknowledges the impact of eroding information integrity on its own missions, operations, and priorities, including peacekeeping and humanitarian endeavors. Internal surveys reveal that a significant majority of UN staff perceive harmful information as a direct threat to their safety and the well-being of the communities they serve. The Global Principles are the culmination of extensive consultations involving member states, the private sector, youth leaders, media organizations, academic institutions, and civil society.
The recommendations outlined in the Global Principles aim to cultivate healthier and safer information ecosystems that prioritize human rights, peaceful societies, and sustainable development. Key proposals address the responsibilities of various stakeholders: Governments are urged to ensure timely access to information, support a free and independent media landscape, and provide robust protections for journalists, researchers, and civil society organizations. Tech companies are called upon to prioritize safety and privacy in product design, ensure consistent policy application across regions and languages, respond effectively to crises, and safeguard information integrity surrounding elections. All stakeholders involved in developing AI technologies are urged to implement immediate and transparent measures to guarantee the safe, responsible, and ethical design, deployment, and use of AI applications, upholding human rights principles.
The principles also emphasize the need for business models that prioritize human rights, privacy, and safety over engagement-driven metrics reliant on programmatic advertising. Tech companies are encouraged to empower users with greater choice and control over their online experiences and personal data. Advertisers are urged to demand transparency in digital advertising processes to prevent inadvertently funding disinformation or hateful content. Transparency and accountability are further emphasized through calls for tech companies and AI developers to provide access to data for researchers and academics (while respecting user privacy), conduct independent audits, and establish industry-wide accountability frameworks.
Finally, the principles underscore the importance of protecting and empowering children in the digital age. Governments are urged to provide resources for parents, guardians, and educators to equip them with the tools to navigate online safety challenges. Tech companies and AI developers are encouraged to implement specific measures to protect children online. The Global Principles for Information Integrity originate from a proposal presented in "Our Common Agenda," the Secretary-General’s 2021 report outlining a vision for future global cooperation. These principles serve as a valuable resource for Member States in preparation for the upcoming Summit of the Future in September. The complete text of the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity is available at: https://www.un.org/informationintegrity.