In a significant step towards combating the escalating problem of online disinformation, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has unveiled a comprehensive governance blueprint. This blueprint, developed through extensive consultations involving over 10,000 contributions from 134 countries, aims to establish a framework for governments, regulators, and social media platforms to effectively address this global threat.
UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, emphasized the urgency of addressing the pervasive spread of false information and hate speech online, stating that these phenomena pose “major risks to social cohesion, peace and stability.” She highlighted the need for regulation to safeguard access to reliable information while simultaneously protecting freedom of expression and human rights.
A global survey commissioned by UNESCO, conducted in 16 countries with upcoming national elections, revealed the widespread concern and impact of online disinformation. The survey, involving over 8,000 respondents, found that 85% of people are worried about the influence of online disinformation, and 87% believe it has already significantly impacted their country’s political landscape.
Social media emerged as the primary source of news for a majority of respondents (56%), surpassing traditional media such as television (44%) and media websites (29%). This highlights the growing reliance on social media for news consumption, despite significantly lower levels of trust in the information obtained from these platforms compared to traditional media.
The survey also underscored the perception of social media as the breeding ground for fake news, with 68% of respondents identifying it as the platform where misinformation is most prevalent. This perception was consistent across all countries, age groups, social backgrounds, and political preferences.
The overwhelming concern about disinformation was evident, with 85% of respondents expressing worry about its influence. Additionally, 87% indicated that disinformation had already had a substantial impact on national political life and is anticipated to play a significant role in future elections.
Hate speech was also recognized as a prevalent issue, with 67% of respondents reporting encountering it online, a percentage that increased to 74% among those under the age of 35. A strong majority of respondents (88%) called for governments and regulators to address both disinformation and hate speech, while 90% expected social media platforms to take proactive measures.
The demand for vigilance during election campaigns was particularly pronounced, with 89% of respondents calling for government and regulatory intervention and 91% expecting social media platforms to heighten their vigilance during these crucial periods.
UNESCO’s governance blueprint, based on seven key principles, emerged from an extensive consultative process, aiming to provide a framework for stakeholders to effectively address online disinformation. These principles emphasize the importance of human rights, transparency, accountability, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Guilherme Canela de Souza Godoi, UNESCO’s Chief of Section for Freedom of Expression, noted that over 50 countries have already implemented social media regulations, but often inconsistently with international free speech and human rights norms. He emphasized that the guidelines represent “a strong blueprint based on a human rights approach, designed to inform and inspire governments and regulators.”
UNESCO indicated that several African and Latin American countries have expressed interest in adopting the blueprint. Additionally, at least one major social media platform has conveyed its preference for a consistent global governance framework over a proliferation of national and regional systems.
UNESCO plans to organize a World Conference of Regulators in 2024 to further advance the implementation of effective measures to combat online disinformation. The organization reiterated the importance of upholding the seven key principles to ensure that the impact on human rights remains “the compass for all decision-making at every stage and by every stakeholder.”