Kathmandu: Amid the global surge in online disinformation, hate speech, and conspiracies, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has released comprehensive guidelines addressing the governance of digital platforms. These guidelines specifically emphasize the protection of freedom of expression, access to information, and the adoption of a multi-stakeholder approach.

In a press statement issued on Monday, UNESCO unveiled the 'Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms,' recognizing the urgent need to combat the spread of false information, hate speech, and misinformation while safeguarding fundamental human rights online.

Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, highlighted the dual role of digital technology in both enabling progress on freedom of speech and amplifying the dissemination of false information. She stressed the importance of regulating these platforms promptly to protect access to information while upholding freedom of expression and human rights.

The guidelines aim to foster an internet of trust, calling for engagement from various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, academia, and the technical community. The document outlines seven fundamental principles to be respected in governing digital platforms:

Human Rights and Multi-Stakeholder Approach: Decision-making should prioritize human rights and involve multiple stakeholders.

Independent, Public Regulators: Establishment of independent public regulators for effective oversight.

Close Coordination: Collaboration among various stakeholders to create a wider network for governance.

Feasible and Effective Content Moderation: Platforms should implement content moderation practices that are practical and effective.

Accountable and Transparent Algorithms: Platforms should maintain accountability and transparency in the use of algorithms.

Initiatives for User Education: Platforms should take initiatives to educate users about online behavior.

Stronger Measures During Sensitive Moments: Regulators and platforms should implement stronger measures during sensitive periods, such as elections and crises.

The guidelines were developed after extensive consultations, collecting feedback from over 10,000 comments across 134 countries, ensuring diverse perspectives were considered. As of September 2023, the global number of social media users reached 4.75 billion.

Election-related misinformation has become a significant concern globally, with more than a dozen countries scheduled to hold elections in 2024. Notably, the government bodies in Nepal, including the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police, recently engaged in discussions with international representatives of TikTok on November 3, seeking collaboration to address the misuse of social media.

A press statement from the Home Ministry mentioned that the discussions aim to facilitate the removal of content on TikTok that breaches social harmony, spreads hatred, casts aspersions on dignitaries, jeopardizes ethnic, religious, and social harmony, and involves indecent material. This collaboration is expected to enhance the government's ability to identify and take action against individuals involved in such activities.