The United Nations is raising an alarm about the growing problem of online disinformation and hate speech. A global survey revealed that over 85% of people are concerned about the impact of online disinformation, with 87% believing it has already harmed their country's political landscape. UNESCO's Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, emphasized that online hate speech and false information pose a significant threat to social stability. While digital technology has advanced freedom of speech, social media platforms have amplified the spread of false information and hate speech, endangering societal cohesion and peace.
To address this, UNESCO calls for regulating these platforms promptly, balancing the need to protect freedom of expression and human rights. The survey showed that the majority of people in various countries rely on social media for news, highlighting the urgent need for effective regulation to combat disinformation. While social media is a primary news source, 68% of respondents consider it unreliable and a breeding ground for false information. UNESCO emphasizes that respecting human rights should guide all decisions to combat disinformation, protecting freedom of expression, and fostering independent, high-quality media outlets as the long-term response to this issue.
