“Allowing hate speech and harmful content online has real-world consequences. Regulating this content is not censorship.” Volker Türk wrote the X.
In a longer LinkedIn post on the same theme, Mr. Türk that efforts to create safe online spaces were termed “censorship…ignore[s] the fact that unregulated space means some people are silenced – especially those whose voices are often marginalized. At the same time, allowing hate online limits free speech and can result in real harm.”
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced last Tuesday that the company would end its fact-checking program in the US, saying fact-checkers risked appearing politically biased, with self-regulation resulting in too much censorship. He called for a return to freer expression on Meta’s platforms, adding that user trust had been eroded.
The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) has reportedly rejected Mr. Zuckerberg’s “bogus” argument and warned it could cause harm.
Digital potential
Mr. Türk highlighted that social media platforms have a tremendous ability to positively shape society by connecting people. But they can also fuel conflict, incite hatred and threaten people’s security.
“At its best, social media is a place where people with divergent views can exchange, if not always agreehe said.
The UN human rights chief noted that he would continue to call for “accountability and governance in the digital space in accordance with human rights. This secures public discourse, builds trust and protects the dignity of all.”
When asked about the impact of Meta’s recent decisions on the UN’s social media policy, a UN spokesman in Geneva stressed that the global organization constantly monitors and evaluates the online space.
“It is still crucial for us to be present with fact-based information,” said Michele Zaccheo, head of television, radio and webcast. He added that the UN remains committed to providing evidence-based information on social media platforms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-quality science-based health information and maintaining a presence across various online platforms.
In response to the growing crisis fueled by digital misinformation, the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DCG) has been actively working to combat false narratives.
This includes developing a code of conduct for information integrity, known as the United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity.
