La découvrabilité des contenus numérique: un facteur de diversité culturelle et de développement (Délégation Wallonie-Bruxelles, Belgian Mission to the UN in Geneva)
8 Dec 2023 10:00h - 11:30h UTC
Knowledge Graph of Debate
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Sharon Weinblum
The analysis of the speakers’ viewpoints emphasized the crucial role of discoverability in promoting content in languages other than English. They argued that if knowledge is limited to just English, it will lead to a uniform and narrow worldview. Without discoverability, non-English cultural and creative industries will struggle to survive. To address this issue, support for content production in other languages and bridging the digital divide is essential.
The Federation Wallonie-Brussels was mentioned as an example of an organization that supports local cultural production. Through grants and co-productions, they actively encourage and promote the creation of cultural content. They also take advantage of EU regulations to enforce rules on existing platforms. Furthermore, they foster international solidarity and cooperation by facilitating co-productions with countries like Switzerland, France, and Canada.
The speakers highlighted the significant impact that platforms have in contributing to local cultural production. They noted that the Federation Wallonie-Brussels has imposed a 2.2% rate on non-linear platforms broadcasting in their territory, which contributes to the creation of local content. There are plans to increase this rate in the future. Additionally, the use of human editors plays a significant role in shaping the produced content.
User accessibility of content was another topic of discussion. The RTBF and other organizations collaborate to develop algorithms that enhance content discoverability. They are also planning to create a user-specific unique code to offer a personalized experience to users.
Promoting content in minority languages on platforms like Spotify was cited as a means of valuing diversity. The Federation Wallonie-Brussels creates playlists that highlight music in various languages, not just French, thus celebrating linguistic diversity.
Translation tools were also mentioned as aids in making multilingual content more accessible and discoverable. It was suggested that well-utilized simultaneous translation of content could boost the discoverability of minor languages.
The overall sentiment of the speakers was positive, expressing optimism about leveraging technology and promoting cultural diversity. They recognized the importance of discoverability in fostering economic development, cultural diversity, and the survival of diversity as a whole. The analysis revealed a focus on the role of language, the need for international cooperation, and the potential of technology to bridge gaps and ensure equitable access to cultural content.
Moderator – Henri Monceau
Discoverability is an often overlooked yet crucial issue in the digital age. It refers to the ability of content to be found by users. However, concerns arise regarding how certain content may be prioritised or hidden by operators, leading to political implications. For instance, relevant local content might be concealed by international platforms, resulting in limited discoverability. This disparity in access and visibility of different types of content calls for better understanding and regulation of discoverability in the digital sector. Currently, only a select number of individuals fully comprehend the complexities of discoverability, creating conflicts between local and international content. To ensure fair practices, it is important to prioritise diverse, high-quality content, regardless of its origin. Additionally, discoverability affects digital exclusion and language accessibility. When specific content is not easily discovered, it can lead to digital exclusion, preventing certain individuals or communities from accessing or engaging with it. Furthermore, language accessibility is impacted when content in certain languages is less discoverable. This raises concerns about the representation of lesser-known languages on the internet, as only 400 out of 7,000 languages have a web presence. This lack of language representation hinders cultural diversity and the preservation of different languages and cultures. Moreover, the digital content market exhibits a disproportionate concentration of power. The majority of the value-added in this market is held by a few countries, mainly the USA and China, while the rest of the world shares the remainder. This concentration raises concerns about fairness and equal opportunities for content creators and consumers globally. To address these issues, there is a call for regulations and rules in the design and development of global digital content. The suggestion of a global digital compact has been made to establish guidelines and standards that promote fairness and equitable access. This will create an equal playing field, allowing diverse voices to be heard and ensuring meaningful representation of different cultures and languages online. In conclusion, discoverability is a crucial issue that needs further attention. It affects political stakes, digital exclusion, language accessibility, cultural diversity, and the digital content market. To create a fair and inclusive digital environment, understanding, regulation, and rules for discoverability are essential. Promoting diverse, high-quality content, equal language representation, and a balanced distribution of power in the global digital content market are integral to this process.
Xianhong Hu
The analysis provided information on various arguments related to artificial intelligence (AI), internet languages, and the role of UNESCO in promoting content diversity and multilingualism. One of the concerns raised was the potential risks associated with AI-generated content, such as plagiarism, confidentiality issues, and bias. It was emphasized that AI lacks transparency and explicability, which could lead to these risks. Furthermore, AI was seen as a source of harmful and discriminatory content. There is a growing concern that AI often reproduces the biases present in its training data, which can perpetuate misinformation, racism, and hate speech.
To address these issues, there was a call for multilateral regulation of the AI industry, as self-regulation was considered insufficient. The concentration of digital platforms and the AI industry was also highlighted as a concern because it can centralize wealth and limit the potential of AI in benefiting diverse communities. It was suggested that regulations should be put in place to ensure transparency and openness in AI algorithms. Additionally, it was pointed out that AI regulations on business enterprises should be established, with their codes being open to scrutiny.
The analysis also shed light on the limited representation of languages on the internet. Only 400 out of 7000 languages were reported to be present online according to UNESCO’s global atlas. This raises concerns about the digital divide and the potential exclusion of certain language communities from online spaces.
Amidst these challenges, UNESCO was recognized for its positive efforts in promoting content diversity and multilingualism. UNESCO’s Information for All programme aims to construct inclusive and sustainable societies of knowledge, providing universal access to trustworthy information and diversified content to catalyze human rights, peace, and sustainable development. They focus on six sectors, including information for development, information literacy, preservation of information, info ethics, access to information, and multilingualism. UNESCO’s work includes reducing digital gaps, preserving indigenous languages, reinforcing capacity through national projects, and contributing to the improvement and preservation of local languages.
The analysis also highlighted the importance of implementing ethical principles and existing consensuses on a global scale. UNESCO’s commitment to transparency and promoting ethical values in AI was lauded. It was noted that innovation and regulation are not contradictory; instead, efficient and ethical regulations must be in place to guide innovation towards benefiting humanity. On the other hand, it was warned that bad regulations focusing solely on commercialization and monetization can undermine the value of innovation.
In terms of policy-making, inclusive growth and multi-stakeholder participation were championed. It was emphasized that all actors, including the government, academia, and the private sector, must be involved in the policy process to ensure inclusive growth. Additionally, it was argued that every individual, not just the government, bears responsibility in policy-making, highlighting the need for commitment from all stakeholders.
In conclusion, the analysis provided insight into various arguments and concerns surrounding AI, internet languages, and UNESCO’s role in promoting content diversity and multilingualism. From the risks associated with AI-generated content to the need for multilateral regulation and inclusive policy-making, the analysis highlighted the importance of transparency, ethical principles, and addressing digital gaps. The role of UNESCO in driving positive change and promoting diverse knowledge societies was acknowledged.
Ad TV5 monde – David Gueye
TV5plus, a francophone platform, was launched in 2010 with the aim of increasing the discoverability of francophone content. This platform offers a diverse range of audiovisual content from Canada, France, other European countries, and African countries, ensuring a rich viewing experience for users.
One of the main strengths of TV5plus is its positive sentiment, reflected in its goal to evoke more emotion and reveal captivating stories for viewers. The platform’s advertising campaign emphasizes the promise of “more emotion” and “more revelation,” showcasing its dedication to providing compelling and immersive content.
TV5plus also benefits from the support and promotion of David Gueye, who connects and promotes the platform as a viable Francophone alternative to Netflix. Gueye’s influence and connections help raise awareness of TV5plus and its unique offering of francophone content, giving it a competitive edge.
In conclusion, TV5plus is a francophone platform that has successfully established itself as a hub for diverse and engaging francophone content. Its extensive collection of audiovisual material, commitment to evoking emotion and revealing narratives, and the support of individuals like David Gueye contribute to its growing popularity. For viewers seeking captivating francophone content, TV5plus presents itself as an attractive alternative to mainstream streaming platforms.
Audience
The speakers in the discussion tackled various crucial issues concerning language and content accessibility in the digital world. They brought attention to the limited reach of content to the public and the exclusion of the majority of languages. It was noted that a significant amount of content fails to reach the public due to various reasons, resulting in restricted access to information and ideas. Additionally, it was highlighted that many languages are kept out of access, further exacerbating the problem of limited content availability and hindering inclusivity.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) was identified as a potential threat to content diversity and accessibility. The use of AI in content dissemination can lead to further marginalisation of certain content and opinions. This poses a concern as it can contribute to the homogenisation of ideas and perspectives, leading to a lack of diversity and inclusivity in the digital sphere. The speakers emphasised the need for responsible and transparent implementation of AI to ensure fair content access and prevent further inequalities.
The discussion also addressed the underrepresentation of Francophone content on major platforms, despite a significant number of French-speaking individuals. It was highlighted that Francophone content constitutes a small percentage of internet content, and platforms such as TikTok and YouTube have very little content available in French. This underrepresentation limits access to information and cultural expression for French-speaking individuals, perpetuating inequalities in the digital space.
The importance of prioritising and enhancing the visibility and accessibility of data was underscored during the discussion. It was suggested that intervention is needed to bring data from the back shop to the front window for better visibility. This approach would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of different perspectives and facilitate improved access to information.
In the context of developing countries, the speakers noted that there are diverse generations of professionals with varying levels of digital maturity and cultural content preferences. This observation highlights the need for tailored strategies and approaches to address the specific needs and interests of different groups within developing countries. It was emphasised that a one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable in these contexts.
The discussion also focused on the absence of an African presence in statistical data and discoverability metrics. This lack of representation hinders the recognition and visibility of African content and limits its reach to broader audiences. However, the speakers also celebrated emerging trends from Africa, such as the mixing of local languages and culture in music. These trends showcase the richness and diversity of African culture and highlight the potential for unique and innovative content creation.
Lastly, improving the promotion and understanding of IT in the digital world was identified as an area for improvement. It was suggested that enhancing digital literacy and IT education can contribute to bridging the digital divide and improving accessibility to digital resources.
In conclusion, the discussion drew attention to several significant issues regarding language and content accessibility in the digital world. The speakers addressed the limited reach of content, the underrepresentation of various languages, the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence, and the need for responsible implementation. They also highlighted the importance of prioritising data visibility, considering the specific needs of different groups, and addressing the absence of African presence in statistical data. The promotion and understanding of IT were identified as key areas for improvement in fostering inclusivity and access to digital resources.
David Gueye
TV5 Monde has always had the objective of international broadcasting of francophone content, and making such content discoverable is a key focus for the network. However, the digital world presents new challenges, with dominant platforms such as Netflix and Amazon leading to the potential hegemony of Anglo-Saxon platforms. This dominance by a few major players may limit the discoverability of diverse content.
Accessing and promoting content from the global South is not just about preserving cultural diversity but also about fostering economic growth. Producers and artists from these regions can make a living if their content is more accessible and promoted internationally. Currently, Netflix has the ability to showcase high-quality content from Anglophone Africa but not from Francophone Africa, highlighting the importance of promoting diversity and content from Global South countries.
David Gueye emphasises the significance of content discoverability, particularly from Francophone African countries, in facilitating further development. One notable issue in these regions is the difficulty of organising film production in areas where electricity is not readily available. Improving the discoverability of their content would provide opportunities for both artistic growth and economic progress.
To address these challenges and promote francophone content, the TV5 plus platform was launched in 2010. Its aim is to become the Francophone equivalent of Netflix, offering a wide range of content from Canada, France, Europe, and various African countries. The platform’s editorial strategy is focused on equitably distributing content from all Francophone regions, thereby championing cultural diversity.
However, the TV5 plus platform also faces competition and struggles to improve its notoriety and discoverability. While the content is well-referenced in Google search results, more research and efforts need to be directed towards making the content easily discoverable to the target audience. Additionally, there are external factors beyond the platform’s control that impact discoverability.
In terms of accessibility, TV5 plus plans to improve its platform by 2024 to ensure it is accessible for people with disabilities. This commitment to inclusivity reflects their belief in promoting multilingualism and diversity within the francophone world. They advocate for a broader understanding of francophonie that accommodates not only the French language but also other local languages.
Investing in platforms where the audience is, such as TikTok, Google, and Facebook, is deemed essential for effective content promotion. To reach a wider audience and increase discoverability, it is important to utilize these popular platforms.
In conclusion, TV5 Monde and the TV5 plus platform have been dedicated to broadcasting and promoting francophone content internationally. They recognize the challenges posed by the dominance of Anglo-Saxon platforms in the digital world and the need to improve the discoverability of diverse content. By showcasing content from the global South and ensuring accessibility, they not only promote cultural diversity but also contribute to economic growth. The TV5 plus platform’s objective is to become a Francophone equivalent of Netflix, underscoring the importance of inclusive and equitable content distribution. However, efforts are necessary to enhance the discoverability and notoriety of the platform to fully realize its potential.
Destiny Tchéhouali
Discoverability refers to the online availability of content and its ability to reach a wide audience. However, there is growing concern about the lack of diversity in the content being consumed online, primarily due to the dominance of English content. This issue highlights the need for improving the mechanisms and processes that hinder equal access to diverse content.
Algorithms play a crucial role in determining the visibility of content based on individual preferences, taste, or habits. They grant value to the content and recommend it as relevant or not, which can contribute to the lack of diversity in the content being consumed. This has implications for linguistic uniformisation, as the online landscape becomes skewed towards English content, marginalising other languages.
Access to diverse content is limited, particularly for Francophone and non-English, non-Francophone minority content. A study found that on the world’s 10 million most visited websites, only 3% offered content in French, compared to 60% in English. This lack of representation underscores the need for political action and regulatory frameworks to promote the discoverability and accessibility of Francophone content. This may involve adapting the regulatory framework to include quotas for national content on platforms like Netflix and advocating for the discovery of local content through diplomatic and influential channels.
The limited discoverability of Francophone and non-English, non-Francophone minority content is also reflected in the limited strategic promotion of such content in on-demand video catalogs. Only 1% of a typical on-demand video catalog is based on strategy or promotion, further perpetuating the lack of diversity in consumed content.
To address these challenges, it is important to empower users to discover and explore the majority of the content available in catalogs. Users should have the power to overcome platform biases and access the 90% of content that is typically not recommended to them.
A research proposal titled “Discover Otherwise” aims to test a new model on TV5 that allows end users to create their own discoverability pathways. This would enhance user empowerment and ensure a more diverse range of content is accessible.
Additionally, there is a need for greater transparency and explainability in artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms. Currently, AI and automated translations suffer from opacity, and there is a growing demand for accountability and responsibility in their usage. AI and algorithm literacy become crucial for both the general public and policymakers to understand the potential impact and abuses of these technologies.
Language diversity is also a significant concern in the field of automatic learning. There is a disproportionate focus on English data, leading to biased research findings and limiting the construction of diverse knowledge. Advocating for greater language diversity in automatic learning can help overcome these limitations and promote a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of various languages and cultures.
In conclusion, discoverability plays a crucial role in ensuring equal access to diverse content online. The dominance of English content and the lack of representation for non-English, non-Francophone minority content are pressing issues that need to be addressed. Political action, regulatory frameworks, user empowerment, and promoting language diversity are key strategies in achieving a more diverse and inclusive online landscape. Transparency and literacy in AI and algorithms also play a crucial role in promoting accountable and responsible usage.
Speakers
AT
Ad TV5 monde – David Gueye
Speech speed
196 words per minute
Speech length
93 words
Speech time
28 secs
A
Audience
Speech speed
131 words per minute
Speech length
889 words
Speech time
408 secs
DG
David Gueye
Speech speed
136 words per minute
Speech length
1733 words
Speech time
763 secs
DT
Destiny Tchéhouali
Speech speed
142 words per minute
Speech length
2585 words
Speech time
1092 secs
M-
Moderator – Henri Monceau
Speech speed
121 words per minute
Speech length
2416 words
Speech time
1195 secs
SW
Sharon Weinblum
Speech speed
153 words per minute
Speech length
1914 words
Speech time
751 secs
XH
Xianhong Hu
Speech speed
114 words per minute
Speech length
1827 words
Speech time
960 secs
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