UN chief calls for coordinated international action on disinformation and artificial intelligence.
The spread of hate and lies online is causing “serious global harm”, fueling conflict, threatening democracy, and undermining efforts to address public health and climate change, Antonio Guterres warned on Monday.
The UN Secretary-General said that while the world should take warnings about artificial intelligence seriously, people should not forget that digital platforms are already being used to spread misinformation.
“This clear and present global threat calls for clear and coordinated global action,” Guterres told a news conference to discuss a policy brief on the issue.
He said he plans to appoint a scientific advisory board in a few days and an advisory board on artificial intelligence later this year.
Guterres also said he would support an international watchdog on artificial intelligence, modeled on the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“Around the world, some tech companies have done too little, too late to prevent their platforms from contributing to violence and hatred,” Guterres said.
He said the UN would develop a code of conduct for information integrity on digital platforms ahead of a future summit next year.
What will happen in the code of conduct?
The United Nations issued resolutions for the preparation of a new code of conduct.
These include a commitment by governments, technology companies and others to stop using or endorsing disinformation, and a pledge to create a free and independent media landscape.
They also want common protocols in times of conflict or social tension as well as global stability so that misinformation doesn’t worsen in some languages but not others.
But when Guterres was asked whether governments and technology companies would take steps to make digital platforms safer, he replied: “That is the question I ask myself.”
“We’re dealing with a business that makes massive profits, and we’re also dealing in some situations with governments that don’t fully respect human rights, so it’s a constant battle – and In this relentless battle, we must mobilize all who are committed to information integrity in digital platforms,” he said.
‘Voluntary code fails to rein them in’
Heidi Berich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, agreed that even though it is a positive step that the UN is calling for an international solution to this global problem, its code of conduct could potentially prevent it. won’t be enough. Flow of false and hateful information online.
“The fact of the matter is that voluntary codes, including companies’ own terms of service, on these issues have failed to rein them in,” Berich said.
“The problem for the United Nations is that they can’t do much to deal with this problem which is basically the law.”
Other global groups and governments are considering regulating artificial intelligence, as the new technology has flourished since the release of ChatGPT.
Preparing the European Union artificial intelligence act Preventing threats to health and safety and protecting fundamental rights.
Guterres said the United Nations would seek to be at the center of networks and movements created to combat AI.
“It also requires commitment from the platforms themselves and from the AI creators themselves,” he added, “but we will do our best to be the one platform where everyone can come together to positively advance this agenda.” .
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