New York: Europe and the Arabs
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the unprecedented escalation and spread of hate speech due to artificial intelligence, likening it to a "poison running through the veins of society" that threatens peace and social cohesion. He noted that hate speech has paved the way for the darkest chapters of violence and atrocities in human history, and that ethnic and religious minorities often bear the brunt of its effects, facing discrimination, exclusion, and abuse.
This came in a message on the occasion of the International Day for Combating Hate Speech, observed annually by the United Nations on June 18. This year's theme is "Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence."
The Secretary-General said that we are witnessing an unprecedented degree of the speed and reach of hate speech, as its spread is greatly increased by artificial intelligence. "Biased algorithms and digital platforms spread toxic content and create new spaces for harassment and abuse," according to the UN Daily News.
The Charter for the Future charts the way forward.
The Secretary-General explained that the Global Digital Charter—adopted at the Summit on the Future—charts a course for future action, calling for stronger international cooperation to address online hate, grounded in human rights and international law.
To silence the voices of hate, the Secretary-General said, we need partnerships at all levels: among governments, civil society, private companies, and religious and community leaders. "We need to counter toxic rhetoric with positive messages and empower people to recognize, reject, and challenge hate speech." A Force for Good, Not an Instrument of Hate
He said that the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech was designed to show us the right path to pursue these efforts. These efforts also draw support and guidance from the Global Principles for Information Security, announced last year, as we strive to create a safer and more humane information system.
He concluded his message by saying: "As we mark this day, let us commit to using artificial intelligence, not as an instrument of hate, but as a force for good. Let us join together in the pursuit of peace, mutual respect, and understanding for all."