Companion Document: The Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms and Generative Artificial Intelligence
Paris: UNESCO (2025), 34 pp.
"The Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms outline a set of responsibilities, duties, and recommendations relevant to the governance of generative AI. These include fostering an enabling environment for freedom of expression and access to information; establishing independent governance systems; and adhering to principles such as human rights due diligence, alignment with international human rights standards, transparency, accountability, and user empowerment. Such principles are fundamental to a human rights approach to digital platform governance that safeguards freedom of expression and access to information. However, given the specific characteristics and challenges posed by generative AI technologies, the Guidelines also highlight additional responsibilities and recommendations that are important to consider when developing appropriate governance frameworks." (Conclusion, page 32)
"Using the UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Guidelines’) as its foundation, it considers how critical principles for the governance of digital platforms apply to generative AI in a way that safeguard freedom of expression, access to information and other human rights, while ensuring robust safety and risk mitigation measures. Furthermore, it highlights some emerging good practices to enable agility and adaptation to rapid advancements in technology. In this way, and consistent with the Guidelines’ overarching philosophy, the approach prioritizes human rights at the core of technology governance. This is crucial for fostering consistent global responses and mitigating the risk of fragmented regulations or disparate approaches that could ultimately compromise universal norms. By embedding human rights deeply within the framework of AI governance, it seeks to ensure a unified and equitable global trajectory for this rapidly advancing technology." (Introduction, page 2)
Introduction -- Terminology -- The Governance System -- An Enabling Environment Requires Shared Responsibility -- Conclusion
