UN reveals strategy to address the issue amid concerns over its influence on elections, according to a survey.
In a worldwide survey, over 85% of individuals express concern about the influence of online disinformation, with 87% noting damage to their nation’s politics. Simultaneously, the United Nations unveils a strategy to combat this issue. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, the UN’s cultural organization, highlights the significant threats to social harmony, peace, and stability posed by false information and hate speech on the internet, exacerbated by social media platforms.
As she introduced a “governance blueprint” for governments, regulators, and platforms, Azoulay emphasized the urgent requirement for regulations that safeguard access to information while upholding freedom of expression and human rights.
A Unesco-commissioned survey conducted in 16 countries set to hold national elections in the coming year, encompassing a total of 2.5 billion voters, underscores the critical necessity for effective regulation, according to the organization.
A survey conducted by pollster Ipsos among 8,000 individuals across countries like Austria, Croatia, the US, Algeria, Mexico, Ghana, and India revealed that 56% of internet users primarily relied on social media for their news, surpassing TV (44%) and media websites (29%).
In nearly all countries surveyed, social media emerged as the primary source of news, despite significantly lower trust levels in the information it provided compared to traditional media. Trust levels stood at 50% for social media, 66% for television, 63% for radio, and 57% for media websites and apps.
In the survey spanning 16 countries, a substantial 68% of participants identified social media as the most common platform for fake news, surpassing messaging apps at 38%. This belief was widespread across all countries, age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, and political affiliations.
Disinformation was universally perceived as a tangible concern, with 85% expressing concerns about its impact. An overwhelming 87% believed disinformation had already significantly affected national politics and would continue to play a role in the 2024 elections.
Hate speech was also acknowledged as a widespread issue, with 67% of respondents reporting encountering it online (rising to 74% among those under 35). A significant majority (88%) called for government and regulatory intervention to address both disinformation and hate speech, and 90% advocated for platforms to take action.
He remarked that the guidelines serve as a robust blueprint grounded in a human rights perspective, aimed at informing and motivating governments and regulators. Furthermore, numerous African and Latin American countries have already expressed their interest in these guidelines.
According to Unesco, at least one major platform has conveyed its preference for a consistent global governance framework over the proliferation of national and regional systems to the 194-member UN body. Unesco intends to coordinate a World Conference of Regulators in 2024.
Unesco emphasized that the adherence to the seven key principles is imperative to make human rights considerations the guiding principle for all decision-making, involving all stakeholders at every stage.
Unesco proposed the establishment of independent and well-funded public regulators worldwide, working collaboratively within a broader network to prevent digital organizations from exploiting disparities in national regulations. Additionally, platforms must effectively moderate content on a large scale across all regions and languages, with a focus on accountability and transparency, especially concerning algorithms that often prioritize engagement at the expense of reliable information.
During critical periods like elections and times of armed conflicts and disasters, Unesco recommended that regulators and platforms implement more robust measures, including risk assessments, content flagging, and increased transparency regarding political advertising.
