The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged tech companies to take responsibility for the impact of their current business models on information integrity. In launching the UN’s Global Principles for Information Integrity, Guterres emphasized the importance of acknowledging the harm caused by their products on individuals and communities. The framework, consisting of five pillars, aims to promote a more humane information system through societal trust, independent media, healthy incentives, transparency, and public empowerment. The principles were developed through consultations with various stakeholders, including member states, media, private sector, and academia.
One of the key recommendations for tech and AI companies is to reassess their business models, moving away from complex online advertising systems that profit from disinformation and hate. Transparency is highlighted, with calls for companies to disclose information on advertisers, data storage practices, and offer users more control over their data. Guterres emphasized the need for users not to be at the mercy of algorithms that track behavior and collect personal data without their control. AI companies are urged to train models on reliable sources and conduct third-party audits to limit biases and misinformation.
Governments are also called upon to support a free and independent media landscape, providing strong backing for journalists working in the public interest. In return, journalists are urged to uphold editorial standards and ensure their content is based on facts and reality. The goal is to create a more transparent and accountable information ecosystem, where tech companies and governments work together to safeguard information integrity and protect individuals from harmful content online.
Overall, the UN’s Global Principles for Information Integrity represent a proactive approach to addressing the challenges of disinformation and misinformation in the digital age. By engaging with tech companies, governments, media, and the public, the framework seeks to promote transparency, trust, and accountability in the information ecosystem. Through collaborative efforts, it is hoped that a more responsible and ethical approach to information dissemination can be achieved, ultimately benefiting individuals and communities worldwide.
