In a landmark event last week in Dubrovnik, media regulators from around the globe convened for the first time at the behest of UNESCO and Croatia. This gathering led to the establishment of a Global Network of Media Regulators, hosted by UNESCO, aimed at addressing the myriad challenges posed by digital platforms.
“Faced with global platforms, we need global responses. The creation of this network, supported by participants from 124 countries, will enable us to tackle the significant challenges of digital technology at the necessary scale. Our joint efforts will be guided by one principle: protecting freedom of expression and human rights,” stated UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms
As has been noted, this initiative is a direct response to the first-ever global Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms, released by UNESCO in November 2023. These guidelines provide a roadmap for governments, regulatory bodies, digital companies, and citizens to develop and implement balanced, effective measures. In 2023, prominent regional and global regulators urged the creation of consistent regulatory approaches worldwide, aligned with UNESCO’s mission to safeguard freedom of expression and access to information in digital platform governance.
The three-day forum in Dubrovnik, organized by UNESCO and the Croatian Agency for Electronic Media, gathered representatives from 87 national and regional networks of regulators, digital platforms, governments, think tanks, self-regulatory bodies, electoral management bodies, and civil society. Consequently, participants committed to collaboratively implementing the UNESCO Guidelines by co-funding a Global Forum of Regulators, which will meet regularly to coordinate efforts for better governance of digital platforms.
The event featured panel discussions and side events addressing critical issues such as countering disinformation and hate speech, protecting human rights, enhancing public media literacy, and tackling the technical challenges of regulation. The Dubrovnik meeting marked a crucial first step in allowing regulators to share experiences and plan the implementation of the UNESCO Guidelines within their jurisdictions.
Global Network of Media Regulators – Serious Risks!
Despite the many benefits of social media, UNESCO studies have highlighted the serious risks posed by online disinformation and hate speech, as well as new forms of harassment and violence, and a decline in young people’s mental health. Social media has become the primary source of information for most people, surpassing traditional media like print, radio, and TV.
In November 2023, UNESCO unveiled an IPSOS-conducted opinion survey of 8,000 people in 16 countries with upcoming elections in 2024. The survey revealed that 87% of respondents were concerned about the impact of disinformation on elections, and 67% had encountered hate speech on social media. Additionally, 89% agreed that governments and regulators should require social media platforms to implement trust and safety measures during election campaigns to protect the integrity of elections.
The UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms aim to mitigate these risks. They are the result of an extensive global consultation that garnered over 10,000 comments from various stakeholders.
By fostering international collaboration and commitment, the Global Network of Media Regulators stands poised to create a safer, more transparent digital landscape while upholding the fundamental values of freedom of expression and human rights.
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