UN Launches Global Principles for Information Integrity to Combat Online Hate and Lies
New York, June 24, 2024 – In a world increasingly grappling with the detrimental effects of online misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, the United Nations has unveiled a comprehensive framework for international cooperation aimed at safeguarding information integrity. Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at the launch of the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity, stressed the urgency of addressing this challenge, which he described as one of the most pressing of our time. These principles, developed through extensive consultations with governments, tech companies, civil society, and other stakeholders, offer a roadmap for fostering healthier and safer online spaces grounded in human rights and sustainable development.
The proliferation of false narratives, distortions, and outright lies online is fueling conflict, eroding democratic processes, threatening human rights, and undermining crucial efforts in areas such as public health and climate action. The rapid advancement and accessibility of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies further exacerbate these risks, amplifying the spread of harmful content and increasing the vulnerability of frequently targeted groups, including children. The Secretary-General emphasized that the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity are designed to empower individuals to demand their rights to accurate and reliable information, providing a clear path forward rooted in fundamental human rights principles, including freedom of expression and opinion.
The erosion of information integrity poses a significant threat not only to individuals and societies but also to the UN’s own missions and operations, hindering peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. A recent UN staff survey revealed that 80% of respondents perceive harmful information as a direct threat to their safety and the communities they serve. This underscores the urgency and importance of the Global Principles, which call for collective responsibility and action from governments, tech companies, advertisers, and the media.
The Global Principles for Information Integrity outline a series of recommendations for creating safer and more equitable online environments. These include a call for all stakeholders to refrain from using, supporting, or amplifying disinformation and hate speech. 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 tasked with prioritizing safety and privacy by design in their products, implementing consistent policies across different countries and languages, and addressing the specific needs of vulnerable groups often targeted online. They are also encouraged to enhance crisis response mechanisms and implement measures to safeguard information integrity during elections.
Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, the Principles emphasize the need for urgent and transparent measures to ensure that all AI applications are developed, deployed, and used responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with human rights. This includes addressing the potential for AI to be misused for spreading disinformation and manipulating information. Tech companies are urged to adopt business models that prioritize human rights, privacy, and safety over engagement-driven algorithms and provide users with greater control over their online experience and personal data. The Principles also call for increased transparency in digital advertising processes to prevent ad budgets from inadvertently funding disinformation or hate speech.
The Global Principles further emphasize the importance of protecting children online. Governments are encouraged to provide resources for parents, guardians, and educators, while tech companies and AI developers are called upon to implement specific measures to safeguard children’s rights and well-being in the digital sphere. The Principles also advocate for meaningful transparency from tech companies and AI developers, allowing researchers and academics access to data while respecting user privacy, and promoting independent audits and industry accountability frameworks. These comprehensive recommendations aim to create a more responsible and ethical digital ecosystem, fostering greater trust and ensuring the integrity of information for all.
The UN’s initiative on information integrity builds upon Secretary-General Guterres’ 2021 report, "Our Common Agenda," which outlines a vision for enhanced global cooperation and multilateralism. These Principles serve as a valuable resource for Member States in preparation for the upcoming Summit of the Future in September. The UN hopes that these principles will galvanize global action to combat the spread of online hate and misinformation, while simultaneously upholding fundamental human rights and promoting a more peaceful, just, and sustainable future for all. The full text of the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity is available at https://www.un.org/informationintegrity.