In a world increasingly flooded with disinformation, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, stresses the delicate balance between controlling harmful speech and safeguarding freedom of expression. He emphasizes that recent changes in META and other platforms may undermine human rights, creating environments where disinformation can thrive unchecked. Such challenges are magnified by algorithms that often amplify polarizing content, complicating efforts to protect democracy.
O’Flaherty highlights that the fight against falsehoods is not censorship; rather, it’s a crucial commitment to upholding human rights. He points out that various international frameworks, like the European Court of Human Rights case-law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, endorse limits on hate speech when applied proportionately. Governments must navigate these muddy waters carefully to combat hatred without infringing on legitimate expression.
Member states are called upon to amplify their commitment to human rights while enforcing standards that combat disinformation. This includes promoting transparency in content moderation and ensuring that protective measures adhere to legality, necessity, and proportionality. A collaborative effort among states, internet platforms, and civil society is paramount to uphold human rights and democracy in this digital age.
Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner, Michael O’Flaherty, underscores the urgent need to balance combating online disinformation with protecting freedom of expression. New policies from platforms like META risk undermining human rights. Member states should adopt clear standards and foster transparency, ensuring measures against disinformation do not infringe on legitimate speech rights.
The balance between combating disinformation and protecting human rights is more crucial than ever. As platforms adjust their policies and algorithms, governments and civil society must navigate these challenges collaboratively. By reinforcing transparency and adhering to human rights norms, member states can effectively mitigate the spread of harmful speech while ensuring that legitimate expression thrives.
The article discusses the urgent necessity for member states of the Council of Europe to enforce standards combating online disinformation while simultaneously protecting human rights. It reflects on the tension between controlling harmful speech and preserving freedom of expression, complications arising from powerful algorithms, and the impact of state actors on public discourse. O’Flaherty’s insights draw on established human rights norms that guide the balance between safety and free expression.
Original Source: www.coe.int
