Document details

Disinformation and freedom of opinion and expression: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression

United Nations, General Assembly (2021), 20 pp.

Other editions: also published in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish

"In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression examines the threats posed by disinformation to human rights, democratic institutions and development processes. While acknowledging the complexities and challenges posed by disinformation in the digital age, the Special Rapporteur finds that the responses by States and companies have been problematic, inadequate and detrimental to human rights. She calls for multidimensional and multi-stakeholder responses that are well grounded in the international human rights framework and urges companies to review their business model and States to recalibrate their responses to disinformation, enhancing the role of free, independent and diverse media, investing in media and digital literacy, empowering individuals and rebuilding public trust." (Summary)
I. Introduction, 2
II. Conceptual and contextual challenges, 3
Concept of disinformation -- Actors and vectors -- Targets and victims
III. Applicable international legal framework, 6
Freedom of opinion -- Freedom of expression
IV. State responses to disinformation: key concerns, 9
State-sponsored disinformation -- Internet shutdowns -- Criminal laws -- Social media regulation -- Emerging trends
V. Company responses: key concerns, 13
Advertisement-driven business model -- Application of rules -- Remedies -Geographical disparities -- Political pressure -- Transparency, accountability and access to data
VI. Conclusions and recommendations, 17