In a total of 16 countries where elections will be held next year, 8,000 people were interviewed by the opinion research institute Ipsos on behalf of UNESCO, responsible for education, society and culture. In addition to Austria, the research also took place in Croatia, the USA, Algeria, Mexico, Ghana and India, among others.
According to this, 56 percent of all Internet users receive news from social media – much more than through television (44 percent) or news websites (29 percent). In Austria, however, television continues to lead with 45 percent, followed by social media feeds (36 percent), radio (31 percent) and news websites (25 percent).
“Fake news” is already shaping politics
68% of all respondents said that “fake news” is most widespread on social media – even ahead of messaging apps like WhatsApp (38%). 85 percent were concerned about the role and influence of social media. 87 percent are convinced that disinformation is already heavily influencing national politics and will also play a role in next year’s elections.
The National Council’s last election campaign was already characterized by “fake news”, “dirty campaigns” and disinformation campaigns on the Internet – and it must be assumed that this trend will continue in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
“Two thirds very worried”
Two-thirds said they had encountered hate speech themselves. And nearly 90 percent said the government and regulators must address these issues. 90 percent of respondents also consider that platform operators themselves have a responsibility.
People are “very concerned about disinformation – in all countries and regardless of age, education and location”, said Mathieu Gallard of Ipsos, according to the British daily newspaper “Guardian”. They are particularly concerned about the elections, “and want everyone involved to do something about it”.
UNESCO plan with seven principles
The head of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, warned of the increase in disinformation and hate speech online, stressing that they “represent a major threat to stability and social cohesion”. According to Guilherme Canela de Souza Godoi, head of UNESCO’s Freedom of Expression Department, more than 50 countries have already introduced rules for social networks. However, these often do not comply with the principles of freedom of expression.
UNESCO, for its part, called on Monday for global state regulation of social networks – and presented a plan to do so based on seven principles. The basis for this was a process that lasted a year and a half, in which more than 10,000 suggestions were collected and processed from around the world.
Among other things, UNESCO calls for the creation of independent public regulatory authorities. These must be provided with a clear mandate and sufficient resources to implement their tasks.
Against “ethical dumping”
These national authorities would have to work closely together to avoid any form of “ethical dumping”. UNESCO demanded more initiatives from the platforms themselves to train their users, including how to have a critical vision.
Transparency in algorithms
In sensitive phases, such as elections, regulatory authorities and platforms would have to take increased protection measures. Transparency and accountability must be created for the algorithms used. Content moderation must be possible and effective in all regions and in all languages. The impact on human rights must be the compass for all decisions when designing platforms.
UNESCO wants its member states to implement the principles formulated. The UN cultural organization wants to organize a first global conference of digital platform regulators in the middle of next year.