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Rise of misinformation a symptom of ‘global ills’ eroding public trust: Bachelet – Global issues

Michelle Bachelet says restoring public trust is essential, as real misinformation should be treated as symptoms of diseases such as systemic inequalitywhich has seen “profound discrimination” thrive, along with fragile institutions, a loss of confidence in effective governance and “limited rule of law”.

She said countries affected by inequality are now threatened by instability and fractured social coexistence.

Prosperous in the midst of discontent

“Disinformation spreads when people feel that their voices are not being heard. It arises in a context where political disagreements, economic disparities or social unrest flourish,” she said.

“It thrives when civil society, journalists, human rights defenders and scientists cannot work, assemble and speak freely. When citizen space is limited or closed. When people’s rights to freedom of expression and access to information are threatened”.

It can be promoted by governments and public officials, potentially leading to crime and hate violence.

But she warned governments not to try to “formally dictate what is wrong, and what is right, and then attach legal consequences to those decisions. Our human right to access and communicate information is not limited to what is deemed ‘correct’ by the State”.

She calls for a focus on “reviews.” how Communication is being revolutionized by technology and unpack who is responsible for what.

“We need to consider How best to prevent harm caused by misinformation, while addressing the underlying causes of misinformation longevity and allowing it to gain traction. “

She said the sheer speed and volume of information circulating online, which means it can be easily manipulated, with campaigns using automated tools, quickly creating a “false impression”. fallacy of widespread support for or against certain ideas or used to oppose and exclude dissident voices and ideas. “

Organized disinformation campaigns are also being used to silence human rights defenders, journalists and minority voices, “and as a result of repeated attacks, women , minorities and others may be prevented from participating in the public sphere”.

Fight back

The international response must be consistent with universal rights obligations, she warned.

“As we debate the best ways to respond, we need to understand that censorship isn’t just an ineffective drug – it can actually harm patients. She emphasized: Freedom of speech and the right to access information are essential.

“Therefore I call Statuses uphold their international obligation to promote and protect these rights, regardless of the social ills they seek to reduce. Maintaining a vibrant and pluralistic civic space will be a key element in this effort. “

She calls for policies that support independent journalism, pluralism in media and digital, which can help citizens “navigate” the online world and foster critical thinking.

“Countries must also ensure broad and free access to information so that it reaches all communities and constituencies… Trust can never be achieved without transparency. true transparency of government”.

Social media regulation ‘not enough’

Human rights chief says social media businesses changed the way information circulated, “and they have a clear role to play.”

“To begin with, we must better understand how they affect our national and global debates. While platforms have taken welcome steps to improve their own transparency and edit channels, progress has not been enough..

She called for an independent audit of the services and activities of social media companies, and greater clarity on how advertising and personal data are being handled.

“And we need access for researchers and others to data within companies, which can help us better understand and address misinformation.”

Two steps

Mrs. Bachelet said to Dong Nhan Quyen Association that there are two “critical needs” in the fight against growing misinformation.

First, we need deep understanding and knowledge: we need more research on how the digital realm has transformed information flows and media; about how best to build public trust in this environment; and on how different actors can contribute to combating disinformation activities. “

Second, she said that all discussions must be framed within human rights standards. “Shortcuts don’t work here: broad content censorship and removal is an ineffective and dangerous response.”

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