Example Message 4: Legislation and Regulation
Though everyone would prefer commonsense and goodwill to prevail more often than not laws and regulations are needed. This applies to disinformation, the role and conduct of internet companies, social media practices and the strnegthening of independent media. Though they should be argued for, developed and used judiciously. There can be signifcant downsides on crucially important communicaiton and media requirements such as freedom of information and expression if the laws and regulations get it wrong.
The UNESCO and ITU report: Balancing Act: Countering Digital Disinformation While Respecting Freedom of Expression (summary here) has a focus on broadband, elections, accurate information and freedom of expression. There is a summary of this aspect of the report at this link: Legislative Responses - From the Report: Balancing Act: Countering Digital Disinformation While Respecting Freedom of Expression
Key recommendations from that part of the report; ones that we will all need to consider and work through in each of our contexts include:
1. Conform responses to disinformation with international human rights standards ...
2. Develop independent oversight and evaluation ...
3. Focus on internet communication companies' practices ...
4. Avoid criminalising disinformation ...
5. Avoid internet shutdowns and social media restrictions ...
6. Ensure that any legislation is necessary, proportionate, and time-limited ...
7. Support investment in strengthening independent media ...
We would very much welcome you sharing through this thread, in support of the work of others and as a contribution to expanding and strengthening work related to digital, elections and freedom of expression:
- Any experiences you have had in seeking to act along the lines outlined above in the four recommendations just stated.
- Any questions you may have about how best to put these recommendations into action.
- Any observations/analysis that you may have about the strengths or limitations of these recommendations.
- Any proposals you may have for better strategic actions.
Many thanks for engaging and sharing.
As a further contribution to this hugely important theme below please find some relevant experiences shared on the Communication Initiative platform:
Freedom of Expression and Media Regulation - A Media Legislation Manual
Media Viability: Tackling Big Tech
Road to 2030: Access to Information in the Driver's Seat
We look forward to your contributions. With much strength for your vitally important work.
Guy