Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications of the UN Melissa Fleming commented on the relationship between artificial intelligence and disinformation and said, "We believe that deliberate disinformation is about to get more sophisticated and widespread, with artificial intelligence being weaponised to accelerate the spread of disinformation."
Held by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, the International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom Summit '23) features the theme "Global Response to Hybrid Threats: Stability, Security, Solidarity."
Fleming, who delivered one of the opening statements of the two-day summit, addressed the audience via a video message.
Fleming underscored that we are also witnessing lies and hate spreading online with incredible speed, with real-time, real-world consequences.
"Words are turned into weapons. They're deployed to amplify tensions and prolong violence," said Fleming, adding that the rise of digital platforms has enabled hate speech's, mis- and disinformation's rapid dissemination at scale.
Fleming stated that disinformation spread on social media is being used to erode public institutions, impacting all areas of conflict prevention.
Disinformation is threatening peace processes
Pointing out that the UN peacekeeping operations are under attack, targeted with false allegations, Fleming said, "This is endangering UN staff and the civilians that they are tasked to protect."
Highlighting that disinformation is fuelling misunderstandings and tensions within the local communities, Fleming added, "It's threatening peace processes, and it's helping to recruit combatants and to radicalise individuals."
Fleming said that according to a survey conducted by the UN found that a huge 58% of peacekeepers now say mis- and disinformation have a severe or critical impact on their safety, security and their work, and went on to say, "We believe that deliberate disinformation is about to get more sophisticated and widespread, with artificial intelligence being weaponised to accelerate the spread of disinformation while AI and deep fakes are further blurring the lines between reality and fiction."
A code of conduct for information integrity on digital platforms will be developed
Expressing that threats to information integrity are affecting the UN's efforts to make the world a better place, Fleming noted the importance Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attached to this challenge.
Relaying that Guterres had requested the development of a code of conduct for information integrity on digital platforms, Fleming said that within the framework of these codes, they want to discourage all business models that are designed to addict and to profit from the spread of lies and hate.
Fleming stated that they want transparency from digital platforms to reveal how their algorithms work, to empower internet users by equipping them with the skills to think critically about the content they see, and to understand why platforms are pushing it to them.
Underscoring that their recommendations are firmly rooted in the right to freedom of expression and opinion and the right to access to information, Fleming added, "But we know we can't do this alone. We are looking to build a broad coalition to seek solutions to these complex challenges, from governments to civil society, media and academia."
Pointing out the vitality of keeping these conversations going, Fleming said, “These conversations are going to build solidarity in pursuit of global stability and security, to restore balance in our information ecosystems and to build integrity into our public spheres."