UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The head of the United Nations on Monday launched global principles to fight hate and lies online, demanding that big tech companies use their power to reduce the harm they do to people and societies around the world.
Secretary General António Guterres also demanded that advertising and PR companies “stop monetizing harmful content” and strengthen information integrity. He urged the media to “raise and enforce editorial standards” and for governments to commit to creating and maintaining a free and independent media landscape.
Guterres said the principles, outlined at a press conference, are the result of consultations with the 193 UN member states, youth leaders, academia, media and civil society, including technology companies.
The principles call on technology companies, advertisers, media and other key players to refrain from using, supporting or amplifying disinformation and hate speech.
All parties involved in the development of artificial intelligence must take urgent and transparent action to ensure that all AI applications are designed, deployed and used safely, responsibly and ethically, and that human rights are upheld in accordance with the principles.
They also call on technology companies to ensure security and privacy and give users more choices and control over their online experience and personal data, and for all major parties to ensure special protections for children.
Guterres emphasized that big tech companies have “an outsized responsibility.”
“Take responsibility,” he demanded. “Recognize the harm your products cause to people and communities.”
Guterres demanded that the companies take action.
“You have the power to limit harm to people and societies around the world,” he said, “You have the power to change business models that profit from disinformation and hate.”
Turning to advertisers and the PR industry, the UN chief has highlighted coordinated disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining action to tackle the climate crisis.
“Creatives – don’t use your talents to greenwash,” Guterres said. “PR agencies – look for clients who won’t mislead people and destroy our planet.”
He called on the media to “deliver quality journalism, based on facts and reality” and find advertisers who are part of the solution, not part of the problem. And he urged governments to protect journalists, uphold human rights, refrain from internet shutdowns and other drastic measures and respect the right to freedom of speech and opinion.
Guterres said all countries should have an interest in not promoting disinformation, “because sooner or later the truth will be discovered.”
He emphasized that the principles “aim to empower people to claim their rights.”
“No one should be at the mercy of an algorithm that they do not control, that is not designed to protect their interests, and that tracks their behavior to collect personal data and keep them addicted,” he said.
When Guterres was asked how the UN can ensure that tech companies and advertising and PR agencies take UN principles to heart and take action, he pointed to their employees who are parents and citizens and “interested in ‘do no harm’ .”
