“Allowing hate speech and harmful content online has real-world consequences. Regulating this content is not censorship,” Volker Türk wrote for X.
In a lengthy LinkedIn post on the same subject, Turk called efforts to build safe online spaces “censored…Unregulated spaces silence some people, especially those whose voices are often marginalized.” It ignores the fact that it means At the same time, tolerating hate online limits freedom of expression and can cause real-world harm. ”
Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg said last Tuesday that fact checkers risk being politically biased and are subject to excessive self-censorship. It was announced that the check program would be discontinued. He called for a return to freer speech on Meta’s platform, adding that user trust was being eroded.
The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) reportedly rejected Mr Zuckerberg’s “false” claims and warned that they could cause harm.
Digital possibilities
Turk emphasized that social media platforms have the incredible ability to positively shape society by bringing people together. But they can also incite conflict, incite hatred and threaten people’s safety.
“The best thing about social media is that it’s a place where people with different opinions can exchange, even if they don’t always agree,” he said.
The UN human rights chief said he would continue to push for “accountability and governance in the digital space in line with human rights.” This protects public debate, builds trust, and protects the dignity of everyone. ”
When asked about the impact of Meta’s recent decisions on UN social media policy, a UN spokesperson in Geneva stressed that the global organization continuously monitors and assesses the online space. .
Michele Zaccheo, head of television, radio and webcast, said: “It remains important to provide factual information.” He added that the United Nations remains committed to providing evidence-based information on social media platforms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality, science-based health information and maintaining a presence across various online platforms.
In response to the growing crisis caused by digital misinformation, the UN Department of Global Communications (DCG) has been actively working to combat false narratives.
This includes the development of a code of conduct for information security, known as the United Nations Global Principles for Information Security.
