Content governance at UNGA78: Misinformation, disinformation and hate speech

The global surge of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, often amplified by AI and social media, poses a dire threat to democracy and societal well-being, prompting urgent calls for ethical guidelines and regulatory measures.

Fake news and misinformation concept image consisting of two internet cables on a laptop

The world faces a growing threat from misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech that has the potential to undermine the very foundations of democracy. These issues, often amplified by AI on/and social media platforms, have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the digital realm.

This summary is based on the following statements
  • Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General
  • Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
  • NataÅ¡a Pirc Musar, President of Slovenia
  • Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
  • Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain,
  • Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland
  • Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font
  • Slovakian President Zuzana ÄŒaputová
  • Concern about grave consequences of hate speech, disinformation, and conspiracy theories proliferating on social media platforms, often amplified by AI (UN Secretary General)
  • Priority in the fight against misinformation and disinformation (Brazil, Slovenia)
  • Big tech companies should take more responsibility for the content they host and moderate, therefore protecting users from harmful online content (Slovenia)
  • Deep concerns about the impact of fake news on the very foundations of democracy, emphasising the vital need for accurate information as a foundation for a healthy democracy (Barbados)
  • Need to prevent the misuse of freedoms and media platforms, particularly in matters related to religious contempt, extremism, terrorism, and intolerance (Bahrain)
  • Need to make a clear distinction between individual freedom of expression and state-sponsored propaganda or artificially generated misinformation (Iceland)
  • Deep concern about the challenges posed by the spread of disinformation and hate speech by social media platforms (Slovakia, Chile)
  • Support for the Secretary General’s initiative for a Code of Conduct for information integrity on digital platforms (Romania)
AI at UNGA 78: The topic on everyone’s lips
Focus on the transformative potential of AI and the urgent need for global cooperation in dealing with AI risks, including lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS). Read more.
AI at UNGA 78: The topic on everyone’s lips
Focus on the transformative potential of AI and the urgent need for global cooperation in dealing with AI risks, including lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS). Read more.
Technologies at UNGA 78: Caution and optimism blended in discussions
Calls for responsible advancement and international cooperation to tackle tech-related challenges resonated throughout discussions. Read more.
Technologies at UNGA 78: Caution and optimism blended in discussions
Calls for responsible advancement and international cooperation to tackle tech-related challenges resonated throughout discussions. Read more.
Digital economy at UNGA 78: Growth and development
Discussion on digitalisation as a driver of economic growth and prosperity… Read more.
Digital economy at UNGA 78: Growth and development
Discussion on digitalisation as a driver of economic growth and prosperity… Read more.
Cybersecurity at UNGA 78: Leaders addressed the evolving threat landscape
Focus on cyber threats amplified by AI and other new technologies… Read more.
Cybersecurity at UNGA 78: Leaders addressed the evolving threat landscape
Focus on cyber threats amplified by AI and other new technologies… Read more.
Digital development at UNGA 78: Shaping the future through inclusion and capacity building
Highlighting the digital divide, inclusion, impact on climate change and supporting rights of future generations… Read more.
Digital development at UNGA 78: Shaping the future through inclusion and capacity building
Highlighting the digital divide, inclusion, impact on climate change and supporting rights of future generations… Read more.
Content governance at UNGA 78: Misinformation, disinformation and hate speech
The global surge of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, often amplified by AI and social media, poses a dire threat to social stability, democracy, and overall well-being… Read more.
Content governance at UNGA 78: Misinformation, disinformation and hate speech
The global surge of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, often amplified by AI and social media, poses a dire threat to social stability, democracy, and overall well-being… Read more.
Human rights at UNGA 78: Calls for a human-centric digital future
Concerns over surveillance, calls for humanist traditions, and pleas for a human-centric tech approach resonated. Read more.
Human rights at UNGA 78: Calls for a human-centric digital future
Concerns over surveillance, calls for humanist traditions, and pleas for a human-centric tech approach resonated. Read more.

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